Remember you don't get a second chance to make a good first impression.
First impressions count with buyers. In today's age of consumerism, every buyer is comparative shopping. A small investment in time and money can give your home a solid advantage over competing properties. So by paying attention to detail now, you can enhance the perceived value later. The following are some suggestions for preparing your home to show to its best advantage.
Create A Buying Mood
Turn on lights
Turn on air conditioner/heater
Open the drapes
Light the fireplace
Exterior Appearance
Keep lawns cut
Trim hedges and shrubs
Weed and edge gardens
Clear driveway and clean up oil spills
Clean out garage
Touch up paint
Make repairs where needed
Create Space
Clear halls and stairs of clutter
Store surplus furniture
Clear kitchen counter and stove top
Clear closets of unnecessary clothing
Remove empty boxes and containers
Maintainence
Repair leaking taps and toilets
Clean furnace and filters
Tighten door knobs and latches
Repair cracked plaster
Touch up paint
Clean and repair windows
Repair seals around tubs and basins
Replace defective light bulbs
Oil squeaking doors
Repair squeaking floor boards
Squeaky Clean
Clean and freshen bathrooms
Clean fridge and stove (in and out)
Clean around heating vents
Clean washer and dryer
Clean carpets, drapes and window blinds
At The Front Door
Clean porch and foyer
Ensure door bell works
Repair screen on door
Fresh paint or varnish front door
Repair door locks and key access
The Value Of Feedback
If your home does not sell it is important to know the reason why. Similarly you should also know why your home is not being shown. A good salesperson should always communicate with you even if you do not like what they have to say. If you do not know what is wrong you won't know what to fix. If more than one buyer makes the same remark about your home, it is significant information that you should receive.