Sellers / Maximizing First Impressions

General Exterior

• Prospective buyers will react well to signs your home has been meticulously maintained.
• Manicure Landscaping: mow, edge and water lawn, trim hedges, weed and fertilize flowerbeds, and prune trees.
• Keep driveway clean and free of parked cars, and keep the garage door closed.
• Repair or replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
• Minimize cracks or crumbling on walkways, walls, or steps, and keep them clean and free of obstructions like toys or snow.
• Items from RV’s to waste cans left out can contribute to a cluttered or busy appearance. Make sure that from the street, your property appears clear.
• Inspect appearance of interior window coverings from the curb.
• Repair any peeling paint or loose caulking on windows and other areas.
• Take steps to eliminate insect or rodent pests.
• Pick up after your pets or neighborhood animals

Doorway

• While agents work the lockbox for a key, buyers have idle time to notice details.
• Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door.
• Consider adding pots of flowering plants in the entryway if weather permits.
• Eliminate cobwebs and groom doorway area windows, porch light, or decorative glass.

Interior Appeal

• Once inside, experts say most buyer are reaffirming their curbside decision.

Clean, Clear, Light and Bright

• Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning and remove all clutter. Hiring a cleaning service may pay for itself by adding to the buyer’s perceived value of your home.
• For a sleeker more spacious look, consider placing furniture from more crowded rooms in storage.
• Clear kitchen counters of everything of other than perhaps a few items. Ask yourself: In a model home, would a professional decorator put your choice of items out on the counter?
• Remember, closets will be opened! Keep closets, cupboards, and even your attic orderly and neat. Since you’re anticipating a move anyway, consider holding a garage sale or boxing and storing unused belongings.
• If necessary, repaint or clean/replace dingy, soiled or strongly colored walls, and window and floor coverings with a light, neutral shade. Bright rooms look bigger, and neutral colors help buyers envision their own furnishings and décor.
• Repair dripping faucets, burned out light bulbs, or cracked window panes.
• Repair cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, and titles.

Warm and Homey

• Subtle scents of potpourri in bedrooms or baths and fresh baked cookies or cinnamon in the kitchen can make your home more inviting.
• Keep and attractive set of towels in each bathroom to be brought out only for showering.