Preparing your home for the open market is a critical step.
A buyer's first impressions could make or break whether they even get through the front door. Most buyers develop an opinion about your property within the first 15 seconds. That's why creating a favorable first impression is the key to a successful sale. Here are some suggestions on how to make your home look its swankest when it's time to sell!

Curb Appeal — The First 15 Seconds

Three Top Curb Appeal Concerns

Paint. Peeling or cracked paint is a definite detractor. Whenever possible, add a fresh coat of paint to the exterior of your home. If that is not an option, consider repainting just the trim, shutters or front of the home.

Roof. A well maintained roof says wonders about the overall condition of a property. Seriously consider replacing an old roof before showing the home or at least, replace any broken/missing shingles and paint eaves and fascia boards.

Doorway. This is without a doubt the focal point of your home! Doors should be repainted or touched-up and old or worn hardware should be replaced. Add planters or flower boxes to entice people into the home and always make sure the entry is clean and well lit.

Other Areas to Address

• Keep streets, sidewalks, driveways and walkways swept clean from debris and litter and remove weeds growing between cracks.

• If you have a fence or gate, repair any broken slats and add a fresh coat of paint.

• Replace any broken outdoor lamps or light fixtures.

• Keep your lawn and landscaping neatly, trimmed, weeded and looking healthy. Try adding a little sod or reseeding your lawn to spruce up those trouble spots.

• Replace any broken or cracked glass in windows, keep clean and touch up paint on trim.

• Clean gutters and downspouts and replace any highly visible ones if they are in need of serious repair.

Impressive Interiors — Simple Cost-Free Steps to a Positive Showing

Clear away the clutter. Getting ready to sell your home is a great time to purge. Get rid of all the stuff you haven't used, fixed, worn or seen for years. It will make your home easier to show and an added plus — less for you to pack!

Clean sweep. Dirty dishes and a grimy bathroom can overshadow even the nicest home. Keeping your home clean, picked-up and organized is critical to creating a positive impact on buyers

Depersonalize. When buyers walk into a home, they want to visualize themselves living there. Some simple ways to help them along are by packing up all those personal photos, removing any strong odors from pets, tobacco or cooking and taking down any materials that make strong political or religious statements.

More Sprucing Up

• Consider repainting a shabby room, in particular, a dull entry hall.

• Replace old plastic switch plates with brass or porcelain.

• Shine up those wood floors with a fresh coat of polyurethane.

• Add new knobs to kitchen & bathroom cabinets.

• Hate those mustard colored appliances, but they still work? Have them professionally refinished in white or almond.

• Replace any old or non-working light fixtures.

• Keep personal items out of sight, beds made and all rooms well-lit.

• Professionally clean carpets or replace if badly stained or needing repair.

• Replace old toilet seat covers with sparkling new ones.

• Refinish old chipped or stained porcelain tubs.

• Repair or replace damaged counter tops in kitchen and/or bathrooms.

Lights, Camera, Action — Those Special Finishing Touches
Now that the basics are done, it's time to "kick it up a notch" as Emeril would say. Adding those special touches that appeal to our senses is the way to win the buyer over heart and soul. Before you know it, that sold sign will be up!

Bring in the light! Keep drapes and shades open and use adequate wattage in light bulbs. Replace any burnt out bulbs, especially in dark spaces like basements and attics.

Mirrors. Use mirrors to increase the feeling of space in small or narrow areas, such as entryways or hallways or to bring a great view into a room.

Add touches of bright colors with accents. Put clean towels in the bathroom, fresh flowers in the bedroom and small throw rugs in an entryway.

Create some ambiance. Avoid loud harsh noises such as a running dishwasher or dryer, while showing the home. Instead, have some light classical or jazz music playing to create the perfect ambiance.

Smells have a definitive impact on a buyer. While bad smells like pet odors or grease may send a buyer running, clean fresh scents will keep them lingering. Try using a little orange or lemon oil when cleaning your home or placing fragrant flowers like jasmine or roses around the home. Also baking cookies or bread before you leave for the day adds that special heart warming touch.

Sometimes the hardest part of selling a home is getting prepared. That's where the Diva comes in. I'll work with you and your family to help prioritize what needs to be done before market time. Plus, I'll connect you with resources that can help you get the repair work done swiftly and reasonably. Just contact me today to set-up a listing appointment and you'll be on your way to a successful sale!

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