How can I make my home more presentable for sale?

REPAIRS
The physical condition and appearance of your home are the factors over which you have the greatest control. These elements can also make a difference in thousands of dollars in your pocket at the time of the sale.

If it needs repair, fix it! Put yourself in your buyer's shoes. You wouldn't want to purchase a home that has a lot of little things wrong with it, would you? A poorly maintained home will rattle your buyers' confidence. After all, if the little things aren't taken care of, what might the buyer assume about the big things like the furnace or the roof? You'll be giving prospects ammunition to ask for a lower price.

If there are major problems, you must disclose them to the buyer. So either fix them before listing the property or leave an allowance for the repair if you can't afford to do it before the sale. Keep in mind that the allowance you leave will probably have to be greater than the actual cost of doing the repair yourself. What ever you do, don't try to sneak a problem by.

The devil is in the details. Check walls for loose wallpaper, peeling paint, or stains and touch them up. Make sure all systems (heating/cooling, central vacuum, etc.), electrical switches, appliances, and plumbing fixtures are in good working condition, too.

PRESENTATION
How you present your home when buyers come to view it will have more impact on the sale than you know. A cluttered, dark, or unkempt home is like distracting noise that prevents buyers from seeing and experiencing your home's most desirable features. Consider all the senses and create an atmosphere of warmth, comfort, and cleanliness. Here are some suggestions as to how to keep your home at its best for buyers:

Space - The more spacious your home feels, the better

• Use lighting to your advantage. Open drapes and blinds during daytime showings. Turn on lights to create an open, spacious feeling. This includes closets and storage areas. Add a lamp if necessary in an area that's not well-lit.
  
  
• Arrange furniture to give a sense of openness. Consider removing some furniture if necessary.
  
  
• Shelves and walls should be tastefully filled but not cluttered. Remove or dispose of the excess.
  
  
• Pick up shoes, clothing, toys, and other personal items before showing the home.
  
  
• Remove off-season clothing from closets, leaving as few items on shelves and floor as possible.
  

Aroma-Offensive odors can destroy the appeal of an otherwise attractive home, while pleasant scents can enhance that emotional tug.

• If you have smokers in the family, have them smoke outside during the period that the house is being shown. Have carpets, furniture, and drapes cleaned if smoking or cooking odors permeate your home.
  
  
• Pet odors are particularly damaging. Don't hesitate to replace carpeting that bears the smell of pet urine if it threatens the sale of your home.
  
  
• To prevent the smell of mildew, don't let damp towels or dirty laundry accumulate in closets or hampers.
  
  
• Once you've eliminated any problem smells, you can add some appealing ones like fresh flowers, baking bread, or a potpourri of lavender, cedar or cinnamon. A bowl of fresh fruit on a kitchen table in summer can create a strong visual as well as aromatic appeal. Vanilla is a popular scent to create an inviting, toasty atmosphere.

Marketing Extras-The right "staging" can make your home more inviting.
Here are a few suggestions. Home and garden magazines and furniture showrooms are great sources for other good ideas. Use your imagination and have fun!

• Place a vase of flowers and an open book or magazine on a coffee table.
  
• Use bright pillows or a throw blanket to add a dash of color to an otherwise drab or lifeless room.
  
  
• A basket of cut logs by the fireplace adds a touch of warmth.
  
  
• Hang a wreath of dried flowers on the front door for a winter showing.
  
  
• A hanging basket of flowers outside the door can make an entry more inviting.
  
  
• Set the dining room or kitchen table with attractive, colorful place settings consistent with the decor and style of your furniture. Fresh flowers, a silk plant, or fruit bowl make excellent centerpieces.
  
  
• An open cookbook and mixing bowl on the countertop can breathe life into the kitchen, especially if complimented by the aroma of baked goods in the oven.
  
  
• Neatly-made beds with coordinated covers and curtains and perhaps a bouquet of freshly cut flowers on the dresser will make the bedrooms feel extra comfortable.
  
  
• Dress up the bathrooms with your best guest towels and perfumed individual hand soaps. Replace filmy or dirty shower curtains.
  
  
• A clean, well-organized garage that's well-lit seems larger. Make sure the floor is clean and swept. It is best to park the car outside.
  
  
• Make sure the grass is cut and green when in season. Edges should be trimmed and neat, driveway clean and free of weeds, and flowers blooming.

When presenting your home, take care to eliminate any unnecessary distractions. The thermostat should be set at a comfortable 70-72 degrees. The TV should be turned off, however some light music in the background might be appropriate. Children and pets should definitely not be present and ideally, neither should you. Then, let your home sell itself.

FOR A MORE DETAILED REPORT ON PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR SALE, GO TO THE "SELLERS RESOURCE" SECTION IN THIS WEBSITE, AND REQUEST BOB'S REPORT ENTITLED 97 WAYS TO GET YOUR HOME SOLD FOR ….