If your home
is in the best possible condition when you put it on the market, you will benefit by
receiving higher offers in a shorter time period. Buyers often purchase based on emotion,
and homes in need of repair or in poor condition generate the wrong feelings. There are
some simple steps you can take to ensure that your home is presented in its most
attractive condition.
The Outside:
Trim the shrubs around your home. They should reach only to the
bottom of the windows. Ivy on the sides of houses should be removed for a cleaner look.
Tree branches should be high enough so that a
person can walk under them. Low hanging branches that need pruning give the impression of
neglect.
Place flower pots on the porch and fill them
with flowering plants. These provide an inviting entrance to your home.
Give your front door a fresh coat of paint. Be
sure the doorbell works properly. Clean off the mail box.
Wash the windows, window sills, and bottom of window jambs.
Remove children's toys from the front sidewalk and yard.
The Inside:
Open windows to give the home a clean, fresh-air
smell. If you have dogs or cats, be sure to take steps to ensure your house is free from
odors.
Clean the carpets and wax or polish the wood
floors.
Be sure there is a bright light in the garage
and in the attic.
Clean out all closets, cabinets, and drawers. A
good rule of thumb is to throw out things you haven't used in the past five years.
Make room in the closets, particularly the front
hall closet, which is the first that gets inspected. If necessary, place rarely used items
in boxes and out of sight.
Store unnecessary furniture out of sight to give your home a
spacious feeling.
Clean the kitchen thoroughly. Be sure the oven,
range, and refrigerator are all spotless. Clean off counter tops.
Freshly caulk the sinks, showers, and bath tubs.
Clean the bathroom thoroughly.
During Showings:
Play quiet music in the background.
Keep the shades and draperies open and turn on all the lights.
Set the temperature in the house to a
comfortable level.
Remove pets from the home when visitors are expected.
Remove personal items like photographs and items not being sold
with the house.
Let your Agent show the house when you are not at home. Buyers
like to imagine themselves in the home, and this is hard to do when the owners are home.
Clay County 
