It's Showtime!

Home Appearance Checklist:

First Impressions Count.

In summer, have a well manicured lawn & cleanly swept & edged walkways.  In winter, remove snow & ice from walkways, steps & driveways.  Freshly paint front door & mailbox.  Storm door should be in satisfactory condition.  Front door glass should be clean & free of finger prints & animal prints.  Functional door bell.  Repair broken steps or walkways.  Remove clutter from yard & driveway.  Polish & tighten door hardware.  All light fixtures & bulbs operational.  Clean windows.

Cleaning & Decorating Sells.

Freshly paint walls & siding.  Faucets & toilets operational.  Clean washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove, ovens, sinks & tubs.  Clean towels in bathrooms & kitchen.  Fireplace & flue cleaned & filled with logs.  Repair loose knobs, warped drawers, & sticky windows & doors.  Replace light bulbs & switches (don't forget basement & closets).  Oil squeaky door hinges.

Prepare For A Showing:

Make you home as appealing as possible.  Open draperies & curtains.  Turn on all lights.  Turn off television sets.  Play quiet, low-key, soft music.  Fresh flowers whenever possible.  In winter, display photos of your yard in full bloom.  Remove dogs & cats to the yard, or confine in one area.  In winter, light a fire in the fireplace.  Try to leave the home while it's being shown or stay away from the buyers & their agent.  Do not give a tour.  Let the agent answer questions or objections about your home.