Keep the lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse. Reseed and fertilize the lawn, if necessary. Weed the gardens, and add mulch. Deep green grass makes a lasting impression. In the fall it could not hurt to over seed with Winter Rye Grass.

Decorate for a quick sale. Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospective buyer how your home could look, when you can show him by a few cans of paint, caulk, and stain? A quicker sale at a higher price will result. Take down that wallpaper and make an investment in neutral new kitchen paint as it will pay dividends.

Let the sun shine in. Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be. (Dark rooms do not appeal). Add brighter light bulbs to make rooms brighter. You would be shocked at how changing out 50 watt bulbs for 75 watt bulbs can make a room feel more inviting!

Do the windows and window screens work well and look good? Make sure the windows spotless. Are the appliances sparkling clean and operating properly?

Make sure and fix the faucet! Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing. Repairs can make a big difference. Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed.

From top to bottom. Display the full value of your attic, basement and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles. Brighten dark, dull basements by painting walls and adding brighter light bulbs. Safety first. Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries. Pack excess linens and clothing to make closets look bigger. Neat, well-ordered closets show the space is ample.

Bathrooms help sell homes. Check and repair grout in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle. Don’t let the Handy Man add gobs of caulking when grout is what you need. Arrange bedrooms neatly. If you have a King sized bed in your Owner’s Suite and can change it out for a Queen during the selling process it will make the room feel much larger! Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and fresh looking window coverings. Remove or mention to your Realtor any attached items that are not included, such as special chandeliers, shelving or garden plants. With this said, it would be better to take those special fixtures or shelving down and remove them from the house if at all possible. I have seen these items bust a sale or two in my years.

Be familiar with similar, possibly competing, homes on the market. Ask your Realtor for a list of ways to improve the marketability of your home without wasting time and money. Can you see the light? Illumination is like a welcome sign. The potential buyer will feel a glowing evening when you turn on all your lights for an evening showing in the Autumn of the year. Disclose any structural defects such as roof, foundation or wiring problems.

Now, have you started looking for your new home? Do you know what you want in another home? Think about what must be done to prepare for your upcoming move. If you have any questions or comments please let me know!

2. Keep the lawn trimmed and edged, and the yard free of refuse. Reseed and fertilize the lawn, if necessary. Weed the gardens, and add mulch. Deep green grass makes a lasting impression. In winter, be sure snow and ice is removed from walks and steps.

3. Decorate for a quick sale. Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell the prospect how your home could look, when you can show him by redecorating? A quicker sale at a higher price will result. An investment in neutral new kitchen wallpaper will pay dividends.

4. Let the sun shine in. Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be. (Dark rooms do not appeal)

5. Do the windows and window screens work well and look good? Have the windows spotless.

6. Are the appliances sparkling clean and operating properly?

7. Fix the faucet! Dripping water discolors sinks and suggests faulty plumbing.

8. Repairs can make a big difference. Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws detract from home value. Have them fixed.

9. From top to bottom. Display the full value of your attic, basement and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles. Brighten dark, dull basements by painting walls and adding brighter light bulbs.

10. Safety first. Keep stairways clear. Avoid cluttered appearances and possible injuries.

11. Pack excess linens and clothing to make closets look bigger. Neat, well-ordered closets show the space is ample.

12. Bathrooms help sell homes. Check and repair grout in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle. Don’t let the Handy Man add gobs of caulking when grout is what you need.

13. Arrange bedrooms neatly. Remove excess furniture. Use attractive bedspreads and fresh looking window coverings.

14. Remove or mention to your realtor any attached items that are not included, such as special chandeliers, shelving or garden plants.

15. Be familiar with similar, possibly competing, homes on the market.

16. Ask your realtor for a list of ways to improve the marketability of your home without wasting time and money.

17. Can you see the light? Illumination is like a welcome sign. The potential buyer will feel a glowing evening when you turn on all your lights for an evening inspection.

18. Disclose any structural defects such as roof, foundation or wiring problems.

19. Start looking for your new home. Do you know what you want in another home?

20. Think about what must be done to prepare for your upcoming move.

Showing The House:

Whenever possible leave your house for showings. If not, follow these tips:

1. Three’s a crowd. Avoid having too many people present during showings. The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.

2. Music is mellow, but not when showing a house. Turn off the blaring radio or television. Let the agent and buyer talk, free of disturbances.

3. Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way–preferably out of the house.

4. Silence is golden. Be courteous but don’t force conversation with the potential buyer. He wants to inspect your house, not to pay a social call.

5. Be it ever so humble. Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let the trained agent answer any objections. This is his/her job.

6. Remain in the background. The agent knows the buyer’s requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home when you don’t tag along. You will be called if needed. Allow the buyers to take “psychological possession.”

7. Why put the cart before the horse? Trying to sell furniture and furnishings to the potential buyer before he has purchased the house often loses a sale.

8. A word to the wise: Let your Realtor discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the customer. They are eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.