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For Sellers - Getting Your Home Ready

You only get one chance to make a good first impression. This pearl of wisdom is well known and could have been written with the idea of selling your home in mind. Failure to heed this advice could cost you the sale you are looking for or, at a minimum, could prevent you from obtaining the price you desire. Use the following as a guideline but it's useful to ask a realtor for tips to enhance your particular sale. I will be happy to assist you in this area!

• EXTERIOR:
  The first impression starts at your front door. Clean or paint, fix any broken windows, make sure locks work easily and the exterior is well lighted. Make sure downspouts are extended and gutters are clean. The majority of basements problems are caused by inadequate extension of downspouts and poor grading.
• LAWN:
  Remove clutter, edge walks, trim hedges and weed gardens. Make sure lawn is mowed. If you have vacated the home, make arrangements to have the lawn maintained. In the winter, it is essential that the sidewalk, driveway, and porch are free of ice and snow.
• WINDOWS:
  Wash your windows! They make your home sparkle. Indicate to your realtor any missing storms or screens.
• GARAGE:
  Garage doors should work without effort. Remove debris and organize the inside of your garage. Treat oil spots with compound to absorb the liquid (this can be purchased in the auto department of most stores.
• INTERIOR:
  Make your entry welcoming. A floor mat or decorative throw rug helps keep your home clean and makes the purchaser feel that you care for your home. The general cleanliness of your home reflects its overall maintenance. It is IMPORTANT. Remove clutter, clean, shampoo carpets, vacuum and dust. Ask your realtor if your furniture arrangement is optimal for showing. A feeling of spaciousness is crucial. Store unneeded items to make rooms look bigger. Have your garage sale before you list your home not before you move. If you own firearms, please make certain they are locked away or removed from the property during showings.
• CLOSETS:
  Organize and clean your closets to indicate adequate storage space. Store items that do not fit properly. This is especially important for front hall and bedroom closets.
• KITCHENS:
  Remove all clutter from counters, including unnecessary appliances and decorations. The stove should be cleaned, as well as the sink, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Empty the garbage frequently. Kitchen cabinets should be organized to emphasize adequate storage.
• BATHS:
  Your bathroom(s) should be spotless. Clean tub and tile. Re-grout of caulk if necessary. Remove rust stains. Clean toilets and sinks. Repair all leaks.
• HARDWARE:
  Oil hinges, repair loose doorknobs, sticking drawers and warped cabinet doors.
• LIGHTING:
  Replace light bulbs and faulty switches. Remove unnecessary extension cords.
• BASEMENT:
  Clean exterior of furnace unit. Remove cobwebs, replace light bulbs, and organize storage areas. Make furnace, water heater, and electric box accessible. Use dehumidifier to remove musty odors.
• ODORS:
  Purchasers are especially sensitive to odors - even odors that you may not be aware of. Pet odors are the most common and problematic. Make sure litter boxes are clean, carpets are clean, and the home is well ventilated. It may be necessary to replace carpeting if odors persist. Other odors that are sometimes objectionable result from smoking, cooking (highly seasoned food), and mildew. Please discuss these problems with your agent.

1. Turn on all lights or permit your realtor to turn them on.
2. Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature. This is not the time to try to reduce utility costs.
3. Children, pets and even adults make purchasers feel uncomfortable in your home. Please try to be out of the house and remove pets during showings if possible.
4. If you must be home, try to eliminate distractions. Do not leave your stereo or television on during a showing. Please do not accompany the realtor and purchaser on the showing. The agent understands the customer's needs and desires and will emphasize the features that are important to him or her in a subtle, appropriate manner. Please give all heating bills and other information to your realtor and leave photocopies in the home for customers. The agent may ask you for additional information if necessary. Never discuss price, terms, or any negotiable factors.
5. Record the name and company name (or collect business cards) of any agent that shows the property if possible. This assists your agent in obtaining feedback. If you have questions or concerns about a showing, call your agent

Process of Selling a Home

Pricing Your Home

Getting Your Home Ready

Request a Market Analysis

Glossary of terms

Salary Relocation Guide