PREPARING YOUR HOME

With buyers, first impressions count. A small investment in time and money will give your home an edge over other listings in the area when the tine comes to show it to a prospective buyer.

SOME SUGGESTIONS THAT WILL HELP YOU GET TOP MARKET VALUE:

GENERAL MAINTENANCE

Oil squeaky doors
Tighten doorknobs
Replace burned out lights
Clean and repair windows
Touch up chipped paint
Repair cracked plaster
Repair leaking taps and toilets

SPIC AND SPAN

Shampoo carpets
Clean all floors and surfaces
Clean entire home
Clean furnace
Clean refrigerator and stove
Clean and freshen bathrooms
Vacuum air vents and returns

THE FIRST IMPRESSION

Clean and tidy entrance
Functional doorbell
Polish door hardware

CURB APPEAL

Cut lawns
Trim shrubs and lawns
Weed and edge gardens
Pick up any litter
Clear walk and driveway of leaves
Repair gutters and eaves
Touch up exterior paint

THE BUYING ATMOSPHERE

Be absent during showings
Turn on all lights
Open drapes & blinds in the day time
Play quiet background music
Keep pets outdoors
Clean pet sleeping/eating area
Clean cat box twice/day

THE SPACIOUS LOOK

Clear stairs and halls
Store excess furniture
Clear counters and stove
Make closets neat and tidy
Put away any unnecessary clutter

## For many people, clutter is the number one issue. You may consider renting storage until you house is sold. The cost is minimal and the difference can be dramatic.