Prepare Your Home for Sale
Putting your home on the market can be both an exciting and stressful experience. Properly preparing your home for sale can be the key to securing the highest price in the shortest amount of time.

The presentation is everything. The front yard, the front door, the front door knobs, I suggest that my clients even add a fresh coat of paint on the front door itself. The first impression and the entryway needs to be a superb and a flawless presentation.

Before putting your home on the market, making basic repairs that won't necessarily burn a whole in your wallet should also be on your to-do list. "Most people really have no vision and really only see a properties current condition. Most people do not want to do major renovations and so whatever you can do to make it look more move in ready the better. It is well worth it for you to spend a couple of thousand dollars in order to get it that way. It will show better and won't stay on the market as long and become stale.

10 Things to Know

1. Make the Most of that First Impression
   A well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter-free porch welcome prospects. So does a freshly painted or at least freshly scrubbed front door. Shovel the walkways during the winter (in the rare incident of snow) and rake the leaves in the fall. The fewer obstacles between prospects and the true appeal of your home, the better.
2. Invest a Few Hours for Future Dividends
   Here's your chance to clean up in real estate. Clean up the living room, the bathroom and the kitchen. If your woodwork is scuffed or the paint is fading, consider some minor redecoration. Fresh wallpaper adds charm and value to your property. If you're worried about time, hire professional cleaners or painters to get your house ready. Remember, prospects would rather see how great your home really looks than hear how great it could look "with a little work."
3. Make Room for Space
   Remember, potential buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. They’re looking for storage space, too. Make sure your attic and basement are clean and free of unnecessary items.
4. Make Your Bathroom Sparkle
   Bathrooms sell homes, so let them shine. Check and repair damaged or unsightly caulking in the tubs and showers. For added allure, display your best towels, mats, and shower curtains.
5. Create Dream Bedrooms
   Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must.
6. Open up in the Daytime
   Let the sun shine in! Pull back your curtains and drapes so prospects can see how bright and cheery your home is.
7. Lighten up at Night
   Turn on the excitement by turning on all your lights - both inside and outside - when showing your home in the evening. Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.
8. Relax
   Be friendly, but don't try to force conversation. Prospects want to view your home with a minimum of distraction.
9. Keep a Low Profile
   Nobody knows your home as well as you do, but REALTORS know what buyers need and what they want. Your REALTOR will have an easier time articulating the virtues of your home if you stay in the background.
10. Defer to Experience
    When prospects want to talk price, terms, or other real estate matters, let them speak to an expert - your REALTOR.