Once you’ve decided to sell your home, there are a number of things you can do to help get the best possible price in the shortest amount of time.

Remember that first impressions count. You should do everything you can to make that first impression a positive one. People who consider buying your home will be as critical as you are in searching for a new home.

Take an inspection tour of your home, observing it as a potential buyer would. Take note of any minors repairs and painting that needs to be done.

Here are some tips which have proven valuable to homeowners in preparing their homes for showing.

EXTERIOR

Since the exterior of your home will be the first thing a prospective buyer sees, it is very important to create a good first impression.

• Keep the lawn trimmed and edged.
• Weed and cultivate flower gardens.
• Trim shrubs and eliminate dead trees or branches.
• Pick up any debris, toys and lawn equipment.
• Repair any fences or gates.  Give them a fresh coat of paint, if necessary.
• Is the exterior paint and roof in good repair, as  well as gutters and downspouts? Wash down driveways and sidewalks.
• Check them for cracking and crumbling.
• Replace any cracked windows and torn screens.
• The entrance should be clean and in good repair.
• The doorbell and front light must be in good working condition.

INTERIOR

• Start with a full housecleaning from top to  bottom. Don’t let dirt and clutter obscure your home’s good points.
• Discard unused and unnecessary items in storage  areas and closets. Eliminating clutter will give your home a more spacious look.
• Walls should be clean and free of smudges, fingerprints and dents. Consider a fresh coat of paint if a good washing  doesn’t do the trick.
• Inspect woodwork and wallpaper for problem areas.
• Arrange furniture to make each room appear more spacious and attractive. If a piece of furniture is badly worn, store it temporarily in the attic or at your neighbors.
• Wash windows and sills until sparkling clean.
• Curtains and drapes should be freshly laundered.
• Shampoo rugs and carpets.
• Floors should be waxed.
• Fix leaky faucets and clean sinks thoroughly.
• Tighten loose stair banisters, and be sure stairs are free of objects.
• Repair loose doorknobs, sticking doors, windows and drawers.
• Light fixtures should be in good repair.
• Replace discolored or cracked switch plates.
• Clean out closets to display their roominess. Be sure clothes are hung neatly and shoes organized.
• Bathrooms should be sparkling clean.  Repair caulking in tubs and showers.
• Bedrooms should appear neat and attractive.
• Clean and organize the basement, attic and garage.

DON’T OVER IMPROVE

Many families tend to learn to live with a broken doorknob and/or cracked window. All of these little things should be fixed because no prospective buyer wants to do the things you have let stack up.

Use caution in planning major improvements that you think will enable you to get more for the house than you paid for it. Of course, an investment in a paint job where it’s obviously needed will be well worth the cost. The same is true of carpeting that is shabby enough to be a turn-off. Most people out shopping for a house would rather plan their own major changes.

SHOWING THE HOUSE

• The television and radio should be turned off.
• Try to be gone, if you can, for all showings.
• If you can't be gone, let the buyers talk free of  disturbances. Send children and pets outdoors to play. This will eliminate confusion and keep the prospect’s attention focused on your  home.
• Leave drapes open for light and airiness.
• If it’s evening, all lights should be turned on to give the rooms a larger appearance and a cheerful effect.
• Be sure the kitchen sink is free of dishes and rooms are uncluttered.
• Be courteous, but don’t force conversation with  the potential buyer. They want to inspect your house, not pay a social  call.
• Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in.

I hope these ideas will be helpful to you.

Stacie Carlson