PREPARE YOUR HOME TO SELL

First impressions are important - this checklist will help you make sure your house looks its best to prospective buyers.

CLEANING.

Begin with a thorough cleaning.

1. Sort out the things you no longer want.
   Hold a garage sale and convert that 'stored cash' into needed repairs.
2. Store or give away excess furniture which makes the
   room appear cramped.
3. Pack away books and knick-knacks. Shelving should be only about 1/3 full.
4. Discard unwanted items from closets and kitchen.
5. Sweep the basement and garage floors.
6. Wash windows and screens.
7. Clean and arrange closets and cabinets; they will look
   bigger with less clutter, and Buyers wants storage!
8. Make your kitchen appliances shine.
9. Clear off counters to make the kitchen look spacious and neat.
10. Wash walls, woodwork, and baseboards.
11. Scrub soap film from tile and grout, or regrout if necessary.
    

DECORATING/STAGING

Decorating and Staging help assure you will get top dollar for your home.

1. Give rooms needing paint a fresh coat, in a neutral color.
   Re-stain or paint chipped woodwork.
2. Replace torn or soiled wallpaper, carpeting, or draperies
   in a neutral shade.
3. Arrange your window treatments to allow maximum
   light into your rooms.
4. Consider new light fixtures and mirrors to expand a room.
5. Add fresh flowers to make your home more attractive.
6. Perk up a bathroom with a new shower curtain, hand towels, and rug.

REPAIRING. Minor flaws in your home suggest negligence to a buyer. Your repair list should include:

1. Fix leaky faucets and toilets.
2. Make sure closet and cabinet doors close easily.
3. Make sure the garage door is in working order.
4. Inspect the furnace, humidifier and water heater.
5. Touch up paint, repair plaster and putty nail holes.
6. Make sure your doorbell is working properly.
7. Polish or refinish badly scratched hardwood floors.

OUTSIDE APPEAL.

An attractive exterior is the key to bringing the most prospective
buyers to your doorstop. Here are ways to improve the curb appeal of your home.

1. Keep the lawn trimmed and fertilized.
2. Keep snow and ice removed from driveways and sidewalks.
3. Shape up the shrubs. New decorative stones or wood chips may help, too.
4. Weed flower beds and add charm by putting flowers
   near the front door.
5. Add warmth with a seasonal door decoration.
6. Clean and straighten sagging rain gutters.
7. Paint the front door and around the trim if needed.
8. Remove oil stains from driveway and garage.
9. Repair stray or warped roofing shingles.
10. Advise REALTOR on the best placement of the yard sign.