1. First impressions count!

   You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so look at your home’s exterior with a critical eye.  A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch look inviting to prospects.  If it’s autumn, rake the leaves. If it’s winter, shovel the walkways. The fewer obstacles between prospects and getting them to open the front door, the better.

2. Start with a clean slate

   Once prospects open the door, they should see a tidy home, not a white tornado.  Invest your time in cleaning the living room, the bathroom and the kitchen. Prospects would rather see how great your home really looks than hear how great it could look, “with a little work.”

3. Don’t leave your prospects in the dark

   Burned out bulbs leave prospects in the dark. Replace them immediately. Dripping water rattles the nerves, discolors the sinks and suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing. Fix it fast. Don’t let little problems detract from what’s right with your home.

4. Don’t shut out a sale

   If cabinets or closet doors stick in your home, they’ll also stick in a prospect’s mind. Don’t try to explain away a sticky situation when you can easily plane it away.  A little effort on your part can smooth the way toward a closing.

5. A safety net for your home

   Home owners learn to live with booby traps: skateboards in the entryway, Overloaded extensions cords and slippery throw rugs. Make sure your residence is safe for prospects and visitors.

6. A place for everything

   Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space.  They’re looking for plenty of storage space.  Make sure your attic,  basement, garage and closets are tidy and free of clutter.  Now’s the perfect time to box up those unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.

7. The heart of the home

   Make sure your kitchen is immaculate. Keep the range clean. Wipe down the refrigerator. Wash and put away the dishes. Prior to showing  or open house, bake a loaf of bread or a pie for a wonderful, inviting aroma.

8. Make your bathrooms shine, shine, shine

   As crazy as it sounds, bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair any damaged or unsightly caulking around the tubs, showers and sinks. For more allure, display your best towels, mats and shower curtains.  Purchase a plug-in-scent diffuser.

9. Create sweet dreams in the bedrooms

   A dream house starts with a dream bedroom. Make yours appealing. Colorful bedding and fresh window treatments are a must. Layer beds with several throw pillows and a seasonal throw. Create a retreat atmosphere.

10. Peel back those blinds

   Let the sun shine in! Pull open your curtains, drapes or blinds so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is. The more light, the better the atmosphere.

11. Lighten up at night

   The turning point could be turning on all your lights – both interior and exterior.—when showing your home in the evening. Lighting adds color and warmth, and makes prospects feel welcome.

12. Avoid big crowd scenes

   Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a home filled with people. Rather than giving your house the attention it deserves, they rush through. Leave when possible, or keep company present to a minimum.

13. Pets may pose problems

   We all know that dogs and cats are great companions, but when you’re showing your home they may get underfoot. Try to do everybody a favor. Keep them outside, at a neighbor’s house or in the kennel.

14. Volume discounts matter

   Rock-and-roll will never die…but it might just kill a real estate transaction. When it’s time to show your home, it’s time to turn the stereo or television down or off.

15. Relax but don’t distract

   If you’re at home during a showing, be friendly, but don’t try to force conversation. Prospects want to view your home with a minimum amount of distractions.

16. Be it ever so humble…

   No matter how humble your abode, never apologize for its shortcomings. And if a prospect volunteers a derogatory comment about your home’s appearance or condition, let your experienced  real estate professional handle the situation.

17. Keep a low profile

  No one knows your home as well as you do. But your sales associates know buyers – what they need and what they want. Your real estate professional will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.

18. Don’t turn your home sale into a garage sale

  When prospects come to view your home, don’t distract them with offers to sell those furnishings you no longer need. You may lose the biggest sale of all.

19. Defer to experience

  When prospects want to talk price, terms or other real estate matters, let hem speak to an expert – your real estate professional.

20. Help your agent and you’ll help your home sell fast

  Your real estate professional will have an easier time selling your home if showings are scheduled through the office. And you’ll appreciate the results – a SOLD sign!