Making the right impression

Think of yourself as a prospective buyer.  Start with the basic assumption that everyone is attracted to a neat, well-kept house.  Most buyers like homes that require the least amount of effort and money getting it "the way they like it".


Outside

• Improve curb appeal with a well-manicured lawn.  Trim, shape, prune, weed, edge and tidy-up the grounds.
  
  
• Keep the entryway clean and use potted plants for an inviting porch. 
  
  
• Paint the bare, peeling, badly faded, drab or offensive colored wood.
  
  
• Clean windows!
  
  
• Repair or replace doors, fix screens, wash walls and clean gutters
  
  
• Repair anything loose or hanging like bricks, siding, chimney stacks, down spouts, gutters, trim, etc.

Inside

• Keep it clean!
  
  
• Use new paint liberally to freshen up, brighten up or enhance rooms
  
  
• De-clutter!!  This is inexpensive and can make a huge difference in the sale of your house.  Pack and dispose of things that are unnecessarily taking up space. 
  
  
• Rearrange (or remove) furniture to achieve unobstructed flow and a feeling of spaciousness
  
  
• Finish up those projects you've been working on!
  
  
• Eliminate odors, especially smoke and pet odor.  No strong perfumes or candles, though, that can give the impression of trying to cover up odors.
  
  
• Freshen bathrooms.  Clean countertops, fixtures, tub, sinks and mirrors.  Repair, clean and replace missing grout and tiles.
  
  
• Make the kitchen sparkle.  Clean and clear countertops and cupboards.  Clean and repair all appliances.
  
  
• Illuminate it.  Replace all burned out light bulbs.  Clean light shades, paint dark rooms.  Use floor and table lighting where necessary.
  
  
• Set the mood.  Turn on lights, play soft music, put colorful flowers out for showings and open houses.  The fresh baked cookie smell doesn't hurt either.
  
  
• Leave the house for showings.  Buyers are more comfortable and less hurried if the owners are not on site.