Here are a few great tips on creating an atmosphere that will charm buyers and make them want to purchase your home. Remember that you will never get a second chance to make a first impression, and first impressions are what count! Follow these simple suggestions to create the competitive edge that may help you sell your home more quickly.

Drive-up Appeal
Trim trees and shrubs, clean out flowerbeds, and invest in a few seasonal flowers.
Paint the front door, make sure the doorbell works properly, wash the mailbox, keep the porch clean, and get a mat for your front door.

Absolute Basics
Start by airing out the home. Most people are turned off by even the slightest odor. Odors must be eliminated, especially those caused by dogs and cats, soiled diapers, and cigarettes.Wash all windows, inside and out. If the carpets have not been cleaned in over a year, now is the time to have that done. Bare floors should also be waxed or polished. Put bright light bulbs in every socket made for a bulb. Buyers like bright and cheery rooms. Clean out closets, cabinets, and drawers. Closets should look like they have enough room to hold additional items. Get everything off the floor and do not have shelves piled full to the ceiling. Make sure that rooms are not overcrowded with furniture. Select the pieces that look best and store the rest. Keep the kitchen sparkling clean. Make sure that all appliances are clean at all times. Straighten cupboards that appear cluttered. Bathtubs, showers, and sinks should be freshly caulked. The grout should be clean and in good condition. There should be no leaks in the faucet or pipes.

A Few More Suggestions
If you have limited counter space in the kitchen, keep unnecessary items put away. Keep children’s toys out of the front yard, off the sidewalks, and away from the front entrance. Clean the ashes out of the fireplace.
Make sure that any pull-down staircases, such as to an attic, are working correctly. Be sure that there is a light in the attic. If you have a pool, make sure it is clean and free of leaves.

Going the Extra Mile
If your house is the least bit dated, change out the wallpaper in the entry, kitchen, or bathrooms. Replace outdated light fixtures. Put a fresh coat of paint on interior and/or exterior walls if necessary. Adding new appliances in the kitchen can be an exciting feature that can make the difference in a buyer choosing your home or another, especially if the items stay with the home upon closing.

Showing Your Home
When you leave the house in the morning or during the day, keep the mentality that it will be shown later during the day or evening. Fill the house with pleasing scents, such as potpourri or candles. Make sure that all the lights are on and window treatments are open. Turn off the television. Keep pets out of the way – preferably out of the house. Many people are uncomfortable around animals and may be allergic to them. Leave your premises. Take a short break while your home is being shown. Buyers are intimidated when sellers are present and tend to hurry through the house. Let the buyers be at ease, and let the agents do their jobs.

Preparing Your House on a Moment’s Notice

Follow these quick tips to prepare your home for its best showing when you have thirty or fewer minutes’ notice.

Start where the potential buyers will begin:
Make sure that the front entrance is presented well. Sweep the steps and straighten the door mat. Pick up any out-of-place objects and store them away quickly.

Head inside:
Open window treatments and turn on all of the lights. Put any dirty dishes into the dishwasher.
Make the beds in all of the rooms. Put any dirty laundry inside the washing machine.

If you still have time:
Run a quick vacuum and/or sweeper to give carpets and floors and fresh look. Wipe down counters and tabletops. Light a candle to give the house a welcoming scent. While we all would like to have our homes in showroom condition 24 hours per day, we also know that we live in our homes. Do your best to present your home in its best light and make sure that every potential buyer has an opportunity to view it by accommodating all showings.