Once you have made the decision to sell your home, it´s time to step back and see it as a "House For Sale". Looking at your home through the eyes of a buyer will help you prepare for a successful sale.

Preparing your home for sale does not need to be expensive or time-consuming. There are small touches that pay big dividends.These details will make your home memorable to prospective buyers.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE IMPORTANT
The National Association of Realtors tells us that more than half of all homes are sold before the buyer get out of the car..Therefore, try standing across the street from your house and review its "curb appeal".Is the street appeal of your home among the very best in the neighborhood? Determine what you can do to improve that first impression. Remember to think like a buyer and have a critical eye.The next owner of your home will need to feel good about the street appeal of your property before a purchase decision can be made.

FIVE STEPS - BEFORE YOU SHOW - TO A SUCCESSFUL SALE

Un-cluttering makes your rooms look larger and feel neater.By removing and storing some furniture or things you don't need, you can open your home up and create a more roomy, comfortable feeling for prospective buyers.

Cleaning creates the impression of a well cared for home.Be sure every room smells as good as it looks, paying special attention to nurseries, pet odors, closets, and bathrooms.Fresh paint and a one-time professional cleaning will make your home more appealing.

Repairing eliminates objections before they arise.If you think something is too much trouble to fix, chances are a buyer will feel the same way.Buyers always think repairs cost more than they really do.

Neutralizing your home helps buyers envision their furnishings in your home.Neutral paint, decor and carpeting are less distracting and enhance the marketability of your home.

Detailing makes every part of your home special.Since it is competing with every other home on the market, you need to make it stand out.Small touches like fresh flowers on your front step and dining room table make a big difference.

UNCLUTTERING                                                             
_____Lawn/garden - mow, trim bushes and trees, weed frequently
_____Clear counters of extra appliances, accessories (the more perceived space the better)
_____Closets: straighten, clear and store
_____Rearrange furniture for openness and keep walkways as open as possible

CLEANING
_____Wash windows, inside and out
_____Shampoo carpets
_____Clean and deodorize all surfaces and pet areas
_____Scrub and polish sinks, mirrors, and lighting fixtures
_____Remove cobwebs from basement ceiling floor joists

REPAIRING

_____Repair broken windows or torn screens
_____Repair or repaint exterior areas as needed
_____Fix leaking faucets
_____Repair and repaint wall cracks
_____Be sure furnace and water heater are in good working order
_____Lubricate any squeaky door hinges

NEUTRALIZING

_____Remove any distracting decorations or collections
_____Use neutral paint or wallpaper
_____Use neutral colors for towels and linens

DETAILING

_____Add plants
_____Install new door fixtures or house numbers
_____Add throw rugs
_____Add scented soaps or candles
_____Arrange pictures (fewer are generally better)
_____Add curtains or valances

SHOWING

_____Open shades, drapes and windows (light and bright always sells the best)
_____Arrange fresh flowers
_____Turn On Lights - especially in darker areas of your home such as hallways and the basement.
_____Turn off the Television and radio