Maximizing First Impressions

Exterior and Curb Appeal

Many experts say that most buyers make their decision at first sight!
Prospective buyers will react well to signs your home has been meticulously maintained. Few buyers live in "Better Homes and Gardens", but they want to buy "Better Homes and Gardens". The following tips can mean thousand's of dollars in added market value to your home:

Manicure landscaping: mow, edge and water lawn, trim hedges, weed and fertilize flowerbeds, and prune trees.
Keep the driveway clean and clear of cars, keep the garage door closed.
Repair or replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
Minimize cracks or crumbling on walkways, walls, or steps, and keep them clean and free of obstructions like toys or snow.
Items from RV's to waste cans left out can contribute to a cluttered or busy appearance. Make sure that from the street, your property appears clear.
Inspect appearance of interior window coverings from the curb.
Repair any peeling paint or loose caulking on windows or other areas.
Take steps to eliminate insect or rodent pests.
Pick up after your pets or neighborhood animals.

Doorway

While agents work the lockbox for a key, buyers have idle time to notice details. Make sure the exterior entrance to your home is as appealing as possible.

Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front foor and frame.
Make sure any screen doors are in good repair.
Add pots of flowering plants in the entryway if weather permits.
eliminate cobwebs and groom doorway area window, porchlight, or decorative glass.
Clear porch of any clutter or obstacles.

Interior Appeal

Once inside, experts say most buyers are reaffirming their curbside decision.

Clean, Clear, Light and Bright

Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning and remove all clutter. Hiring a cleaning service may pay for itself by adding to a buyer's perceived value of your home.
For a sleeker, more spacious look, consider placing furniture from crowded rooms in storage.
Clear kitchen counters of everything other than a few decorative items.
Remember: closets will be opened! Keep closets, cupboards, and even your attic and/or basement orderly and neat. Since you are anticipating a move anyway, consider holding a garage sale or boxing and storing unused belongings.
If necessary, repaint or clean/replace dingy, soiled or strongly-colored walls, window and floor coverings with a light, neutral shade. Bright rooms look bigger, and neutral colors help buyers envision their own furnishings and decor.
Repair dripping faucets, burned-out light bulbs, or cracked windowpanes. It is especially important to have sparkling clean windows to allow for as much natural light as possible.
Repair cracks, holes, or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper and tiles.

Warm and Homey

Subtle scents of potpourri in bedrooms or baths and fresh baked cookies or cinnamon in the kitchen can make your home more inviting.
Keep an attractive set of towels in each bathroom to be brought out only for showings.

Finishing Projects

Needing to sell your home when it's a 'work in progress ' means finishing up details with different goals in mind.

Complete areas that just have finishing touches first. Paint, trim mouldings, light fixtures, mirrors, etc., should be taken care of so buyers don't feel like they will be overwhelmed with projects.
Make sure the interior of your home looks inviting with fresh paint where needed.
In areas that you intended to remodel, replace surfaces such as: vinyl flooring, and counter tops.
Freshen cabinetry with new hardware and paint, inside and out.
Confine workshop to garage or basement.
Make sure lighting is adequate throughout your home. Rooms always look more spacious when well lit.