KRISTIN HARRIS with RE/MAX Equity Group: Kristin Harris, Real Estate Broker

How can you help make a positive first impression?

If your home is going to get a second look from buyers, it needs to make a good first impression. The correct staging of your home can go a long way toward achieving a successful sale at the highest price.

When you list with me, I will go through the home with you to make sure we are putting our best foot forward to get your home sold quickly. In the meantime, here are some tips for you to think about.

You may even want to ask a neighbor or friend to walk through the home as though they were in the market to hear their opinion. In doing this, we will be ahead of most sellers (the competition) whose homes are already on the market and make your transaction to proceed more smoothly.

On the Outside

Try to look at your house through the buyer’s eyes as though you’ve never seen it before. And try and have the fewest obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home:
In autumn, rake the leaves, in winter, make sure there is no ice on the sidewalk or steps.
Enhance drive-up appeal by removing clutter and cleaning stains off the drive way.
You may want to scrub or repaint your front door.
Touch up your exterior paint where needed.
Keep your lawn nicely trimmed and edged.
Remove weeds and dead and dying flowers. Consider adding color.
Trim bushes, add bark dust to flowerbeds for a fresh look.
Pick up toys, flowerpots, charcoal bags, garbage cans or any items that tend to leave a cluttered look.
Clean gutters and roof, making sure they are free of debris and moss. Make necessary repairs to your roof if it leaks.
Repair any rotten or damaged siding and repaint.
Check your fence. Repair and repaint it if necessary.
Keep windows sparkling clean and replace any windows that may have cracks in them.
Make sure that your address can easily be seen from the street.
Verify operation of door locks and entry lights.

Making a Good Impression on the Inside

Review the house inside room by room. Paint and make repairs to walls in any rooms needing it, keeping colors neutral.
Clean and dust everything. Cabinets, window and door trim, flooring, windows, cobwebs, appliances etc.
Place new mats outside and inside all doors for buyers to wipe their shoes on.
Clean carpets or drapes as needed. If carpet is worn or damaged, consider replacing it with neutral colored new carpet.
Rearrange or remove some of the furniture if necessary to make rooms appear larger and allow buyers to imagine their own furniture in the room.
The two most important rooms to a buyer are the kitchen and bathroom. Remove stains in the sinks and tubs. Make sure the floors have been scrubbed, and that all appliances have been well-cleaned and are in good working order.
Clear all unnecessary objects from the kitchen and bathroom countertops. Set out matching towels.
Pack extra clothing, linen, and other household items in boxes. It will help make your home look larger.
Consider packing personal items such as photographs. This helps buyers to focus on the home and visualize their family living there, not yours.
Pack any items which might be potentially offensive to buyers such as taxidermy or art work. Remember that just because you like it does not mean that others will.
Tighten cabinet doors and lubricate squeaky or hard to open/shut doors.
Fix leaky faucets and make sure the drains in your tub and sinks are not clogged.
Replace the shower curtain (if needed) and wash bath mats. Clean the tile and re-caulk around the tub.
Straighten out the garage. Make sure that the buyer can access the electrical panel, furnace and hot water heater.
Odors must be eliminated especially if you have pets or young children. If you are a smoker, consider smoking outside during the time that your home is on the market. You may not notice the smell but potential buyers do.
Showcase your home as if you are receiving guests – Place flowers in vases, turn on the fireplace if it’s cold outside, and play soft background music. Never leave candles burning when you are not home.
Put away your most valuable items such as jewelry and collectibles in addition to fire arms, prescription medication and financial information.