GETTING THE HOUSE READY

We are all aware that a house that looks good will sell faster and for more money than one that is in poor condition. A little effort before you list your home can pay off greatly.

One of the first things to do is park your car across the street from your house to give it a critical look - as a buyer will do when passing by. Does it need painting, is the lawn neatly manicured and are the flower beds freshly mulched? How about the front door - could it use a coat of paint or a good cleaning? Are the street numbers clearly visible on the house? Below is a check list that will help in determining what items might need attention.

Cut and edge lawn, mend fences, gate steps; check house numbers, plant annual flowers, pick up toys, tools, etc, trim shrubs store trash cans, wash windows, close garage door.

If you have several potted plants and hanging baskets at the entrance, it's best to move them at this time so as not to detract from the entrance.

Replace light bulbs, clean light fixture, tighten handrail if loose, mend doorbell if not working, buy a new doormat, polish any brass such as doorknob, make sure the front door is clean and inviting.

Clean hall closet, remove any clutter, and if you have a entrance table add a small plant or fresh flowers.

If you have too much furniture in the living room, move it to storage to make the room appear larger. Pack away any distracting items and limit the number of family pictures. You want a buyer to look at your house - not your family! Shampoo carpet and if you have hardwood floors, have them cleaned and polished. Window coverings should be clean and left open. Light and bright homes sell! If you have a fireplace, make sure it's free of ashes and debris.

Clean stove and oven, clear everything off the countertops except possibly one, or two appliances, scrub sink, remove fingerprints, replace faucet washers if needed, and add a small plant. If your refrigerator door has become a place to display everything from photos to schedules, clear it off. Make sure the lighting is bright by replacing light bulbs with higher wattage.

Replace the shower curtain if needed, freshen the grout around the tub, remove any personal items from sight, make sure the tub, shower and toilet are sparkling clean. Check the floor for cleanliness. Add a small plant if there's a good place for it. Buy new towels to brighten it up. When the house is going to be shown, get in the habit of putting the toilet seat in the "down" position.

Remove valuables, clean out closet, and limit the number of clothes. There's nothing more unattractive than a closet that's jammed tight with clothes. This makes a buyer feel that there is possibly not enough closet space. Remove any excess furniture that makes the room seem small. Again, limit the number of family pictures.

Check the attic access stairs for safety. Many buyers will want to look in the attic to see how much space there is. Now is a good time to clean the attic and make it look more spacious, Check to be sure the light bulbs are working.

Keep the garage door closed when you know the house is going to be shown. Tidy up stored items and replace light bulbs that might be burned out. Sweep and hose down the floor.

If your house is in need of painting either inside or out, it's best to do it before you put it on the market. Neutral colors are best and appeal to a broader group of homebuyers.

Replace any rotten wood and fix any cracked or broken windows. If your carpet is worn, it's best to replace it. This is often less expensive than offering an allowance and makes a good first impression.

It's a good idea to have a termite inspection prior to putting your house on the market. Also, have the heating and air-conditioning serviced and check for any dripping faucets.

Take a critical look at the interior of your house. Does it appear "cluttered"? If so, remove excess furniture and decorative items.

It's best not to be in the house when your house is going to be shown. Buyer's will feel more at ease and comfortable if they can speak to their agent freely without worry of offending the seller. Have the lights turned on and the curtains/window coverings open. If it's in the middle of the long hot summer, make sure the air conditioner is turned down so it's cool and inviting. Likewise, in the winter have the heat at a comfortable level.

If you have pets, take them either away from the house when it is being shown or confined in a pet carrier. A pet can be very distracting to a buyer.

We all get used to the way our house smells, but cooking and pet odors are very unappealing. A thorough cleaning of the house will eliminate most odors, but for those stubborn ones, put out some potpourri or the "plug-in" deodorizers.

I hope these tips are helpful in getting your home ready to put on the market.

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