Selling tips

Just a quick glance from the curb can create a lasting impression of your home. Make it a good one. Try to look with fresh eyes at the overall landscaping. Are there gaps to fill or too many plantings? Is the lawn fresh and neatly trimmed? Too many garden gnomes and old project scraps may make a small yard look crowded and junky. Take a walk up to the front entry, thinking about what a prospective buyer will see. We suggest you clear debris and keep the walk swept. Keep metal and glass fixtures well-polished. A neat and clean front door, without dog scratches, communicates pride.

A gloomy interior can dampen spirits. So, leave the lights on all of them, come daylight or evening. And don't let a fixture sport a burned-out bulb. Brilliance helps. Let the outside light in by opening shades and drapes to their max.

Cleanliness Is Next to Quick Sales - House hunters look for signs of continuous upkeep of a property. The first indicator is a sense of sparkle - or dullness - when they enter the house. Wipe down the woodwork. A clean sweep of dust mites and crumbs beside the fridge reflects overall pride. Clean surfaces mean the owner keeps up with daily householder chores.

That 70's Show - If your den looks like a stage set for a 1970s sit-com, it might be time to pull up the shag carpeting and paint the paneling. Even if it's only one room of your home that needs updating, we recommend a redo. And check out the painted surfaces throughout your home. Fresh paint revives charm. Remember, economical changes can mean greatly increased sales prices.

Beyond Survival - You may have lived for years with a kitchen door that sticks and a cracked windowpane, but a buyer sees such general deterioration issues as signs of bigger unseen problems. We suggest you tour your home and make a master's 'to-do' list, including fixing leaking faucets and repairing cracks in walls. Have a friend look with you for their fresh view.

Room to Spare- One of the reasons you may be moving is to find more room for your family and your possessions. Your current crowded situation shouldn't be apparent, however. Pare down your closet clutter and make it look like there is room to spare. Remove collectibles from surfaces to reveal open wall space and countertops. The less furniture in a room, the bigger the room feels.

Buyers like to try closet doors and faucets without the owners watching. Some buyers are afraid of dogs and hate cats and kids. We recommend that, whenever possible, you and your family members leave the house during a viewing. If you need to be present, be friendly, but let your sales representative answer any questions and concerns about prices, condition of the property, and terms. We are trained and experienced in fielding objections without emphasizing potential problem areas. We want you and the buyer to feel relaxed. You are in good hands.