Selling Tips

Outside Appeal. An attractive exterior is the key to bringing the most prospective buyers to your doorstep. Here are ways to improve the "curb appeal" of your home.

• Keep the lawn trimmed and fertilized.
• Keep snow and ice removed from driveways and sidewalks.
• Shape up the shrubs. New decorative stones or wood chips may help too.
• Weed flower beds and add charm by potting flowers near the front door.
• Add warmth with seasonal door decoration.
• Clean and straighten sagging rain gutters.
• Paint the front door and around the trim, if needed.
• Remove oil stains from driveway and garage.
• Repair stray or warped roofing shingles.

Cleaning. Begin with a thorough cleaning. Sort out the things you no longer want. Store or give away excess furniture which makes the room appear cramped.

• Discard unwanted items from closets and kitchen.
• Sweep the basement and garage floors.
• Wash windows and screens.
• Clean and arrange closets and cabinets. They will look bigger with less clutter.
• Make your kitchen appliances shine.
• Wash walls and woodwork.
• Scrub soap film from tile and grout.
• Clear off counters to make kitchen look spacious and neat.

Decorating. Decorating helps assure you will get top dollar for your home.

• Give rooms need paint a fresh coat., in a neutral color.
• Re-stain or paint chipped woodwork.
• Replace torn or soiled wallpaper, carpeting or draperies in a neutral shade.
• Arrange your window treatments to allow maximum light into rooms.
• Consider new light fixtures and mirrors to expand a room.
• Add flowers to make your home more attractive.
• Perk up a bathroom with a new shower curtain.
  

Repairing. Minor flaws in your home suggest negligence to a buyer. Your repair list should include:

• Fix leaky faucets and toilets
• Make sure closet and cabinet doors close easily.
• Make sure the garage door is in working order.
• Inspect the furnace, humidifier and water heater.
• Touch up paint, repair plaster and putty nail holes.
• Make sure your doorbell is working properly.
• Polish or refinish badly scratched hardwood floors.
  

Open house and showing preparation. Remember the importance of first impressions. Pretend you're a buyer seeing your home for the first time.

• Remove clutter.
• Make beds.
• Turn on soft music and all lights. Turn off the television.
• Open windows to air out any stuffy rooms.
• Bake bread or cookies, the aroma is pleasing. Avoid unpleasant cooking odors.
  

Documents needed. There are several items I'll need from you to process your home listing and sale:

• Paid tax bill.
• Survey.
• Title policy.
• Real estate condition report.
• Account numbers and name of mortgage holder.
• Lien waivers.
  

Let me help you sell your home, click here for more info.