EXPERIENCE SHOWS THAT taking time to prepare your home:

1. increases desirability
2. provides a marketing "edge"
3. results in shorter market time while assuring the highest return

Before Presenting Your Home to Buyers

Remove clutter from the yard
Cut and edge grass
Trim hedges and weed gardens
Paint, fix or wash railings, steps, storm windows, screens and doors
Clean gutters
Wash windows
Straighten up garage
Paint, wash and fix garage doors and windows
Repair dripping faucets and leaky toilets
Replace all burned out light bulbs
Repair faulty light switch
Remove clutter
Oil door hinges, tighten door knobs
Carpet professionally cleaned or replaced if in poor condition
Give home a through cleaning

Before Buyers Come to Your Home

Turn on all inside lights, even during the day. In winter, lamp light is especially nice
At night, turn on the outside lights
Turn on soft music
Keep heat at 68o
Keep pets in a separate area; change litter daily
Put your money and other valuables away and out of sight
Keep draperies and shades open
Open all doors inside home, except closets
 

When an Agent Shows Your Home
 
A buyer will likely spend more time previewing your house if you are not at home. Buyers feel more comfortable looking at a home and asking questions if they don’t feel they are being intrusive:
 
If you cannot leave, group children around the television with the volume on low, or have them play in a specially designated area
Don’t precede or follow the buyer through your home
Let the sales associate show and sell your home!