Dear Folks:

I was searching through all my resources for information that would be interesting to you, my readers.

I thought about sending income tax hints marketing data, why use a Realtor, plant care for Spring. What an overload of stuff!

What I decided to focus on this month is preparing your home for sale.I wanted to make it interesting and valuable for my all readers - so, as you read the hints, think about how nice it would be to live in a home which is market-ready all the time! It is my goal in life!

You can't always predict what will capture a buyers' fancy (or what will turn them off).
But most buyers respond to certain things, such as a clean, clutter-free home in good repair.

Homes that owners keep in tip-top shape for showings obtain higher offers than homes that aren't ready for show time. Small-scale details can prove important in creating a salable home.

Here are ten small-scale suggestions to help prepare your home for showings.

Have that garage sale before listing the home. De-clutter to allow the buyer to really see your home. Pack away everything you can and dispose of items you won't need in your next home. Homebuyers are expecting to see you preparing to move, so a few packing boxes can be be a great stimulant to someone who is "on the fence;" they show that you are moving and are serious about selling.

Welcome the buyer at the entry. Put out a new doormat, but avoid cutesy sayings. Polish the doorknocker. Potted flowers on the porch say, "welcome!" Make sure the front entry floor is always clean and the porch and steps are swept. First impressions really count!

Stimulate buyers' imaginations. Set the dinner table with your best china. Use the coziness and romance of the fireplace to advantage. Put a pair of wine glasses and a vase of flowers on the coffee table in front of the fire. Your goal is to set a scene that will encourage buyers to imagine themselves living in your home.

Be ruthless about odors. If there is a smell, your house won't sell!!! Use cleansers and deodorizers to make the home smell fresh.. Deodorize cat litter and scoop daily. Put cedar chips inside the closets. However, be careful when using room sprays as they can irritate allergies. Have fresh-baked cookies on the kitchen table, creating a welcoming environment for your potential buyers.

Create a spacious feeling. Make sure that all doors, cabinets and drawers open fully without bumping into anything and without sticking. Clean out the entry closet. Move oversized furniture to a storage facility. Make sure all rooms have an open flow to maximize the appearance of larger, more gracious spaces.

Make the most of views. Disguise unsightly views. Put a screen or a basket of flowers in front of a fireplace. Let breezes move your sheer curtains at the window. Make sure the interior is visible from the street. All windows must be clean and clear.

Create counter space. Store away extra appliances. Put away dish racks, soap dishes and other clutter. Remove magnets from the refrigerator.

Avoid eccentric decor. De-personalize your teenager's room, the game room or other areas by removing wild posters or any decorative item that could be construed as offensive. Remove decorations that might not appeal to the masses.

Let there be light. Increase the wattage in light bulbs in the utility rooms, kitchen and bathrooms. For showings, turn on lights in every room.

Show how your family made the house a home. Put photos of your family enjoying your home in at least three different places.

Now, step back, stand outside the front door, as much as 30 feet away, and evaluate the feeling you get. Is the house warm and inviting? Does it feel like home? Then perhaps it will to buyers, too. Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest difference. Wouldn't it be great if our homes looked like this every day?

Mary L. Chabot - Realtor
Real Estate Agent
508-847-0654
Mary.Chabot@NEMoves.com

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