​The exterior of your home plays a crucial role in shaping buyers' perceptions of the interior. To enhance your curb appeal:  

 

• Ensure your front entrance is clean and welcoming.  

• Consider painting or replacing your front door if it's worn or faded.  

• Refresh shutters, trim, and other exterior features that show signs of wear.  

• Add vibrant plants and a fresh layer of mulch for visual appeal.  

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​Highlight the Positives.  

"How we live in a home and how we sell it can be two different stories." Look at your home with new eyes and organize each room to showcase its best features:  

 

• Keep windows and floors spotless.  

• Replace faded wallpaper and reattach any loose sections.  

•  Repair worn woodwork to keep everything looking sharp.  

• Repaint any scuffed or dirty walls in neutral tones.  

• Steam clean carpets or replace them if they’re in bad shape.  

• Fix minor issues like loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, and broken light switches.  

• Check and repair any caulking in bathtubs and showers.  
   

To show your home in its best light:  

 

• Open drapes and curtains to fill rooms with natural light during viewings.  

• Clear out unnecessary clutter from attics, basements, and closets to showcase space—consider a garage sale or renting storage for excess items.  

• Keep spaces tidy and remove excess furniture. Fresh, clean towels in the bathroom can make a big difference. Consider using candles or air fresheners to create a pleasant aroma.  
   

Put Your Home in Its Best Light.  

Strategically lighting your home—even during the day—can create a warm atmosphere and highlight each room's best features:  
 

• Avoid overhead lighting that can make a room feel flat and lifeless.  

•  Use creative lamp arrangements to make smaller rooms feel more spacious and large rooms feel cozier.  

• Use lighting to accentuate key living areas, such as a pair of chairs near a fireplace or a table in a breakfast nook.  
   

Inside:  
 

• Clear unnecessary items from furniture throughout the house. Limit decorative objects to groups of 1, 3, or 5 for a clean look.  

• Keep kitchen countertops clutter-free. If it hasn’t been used in three months, put it away!  

• Clear the refrigerator front of any messages or pictures to keep it tidy—buyers need to envision their items in the space.  

• In the bathroom, remove excess items from countertops, tubs, shower stalls, and commode tops. Keep only essential cosmetics organized in one small area. Coordinate towels in one or two matching colors.  

• Consider rearranging or removing some furniture to make rooms appear larger. While your furniture might be cozy for you, it can feel overcrowded to potential buyers.  

• Remove or rearrange any pictures or decor on the walls, and patch and paint as needed.  

• Review each room individually: paint where needed, clean carpets and drapes, and wash windows.  

• During showings, leave on certain lights during the day and turn on all lamps and lights. Soft music can be nice to set the mood, so have the stereo playing gently in the background. Remember, the lockbox is a key detail—“If we don’t have it, they won’t show it.”
   

Outside:  
 

• Trim landscaping to showcase architectural details like window bottoms. “If they can’t see it, we can’t sell it.”  

• Clear the perimeter of the house, moving garbage cans, discarded wood scraps, and other items into the garage.  

• Check gutters and roofs for any signs of damage, ensuring everything is clean and well-maintained.  

• Prune trees and bushes to ensure they don’t block windows—“You can’t sell a house if you can’t see it.” Plants can grow quickly and need regular care!  

• Weed and mulch planting areas, and keep the lawn freshly cut and fertilized, removing any dead plants or shrubs.  

• Clear patios or decks of small items like planters, tools, and toys. These can be stored in the garage.  

• Check the paint condition of the house, paying special attention to the front door and trim—“Curb appeal really works!”  
   

In Summary:  
Try to view your home as a buyer would, as if you’re seeing it for the first time. Any time or money spent on these tasks will likely yield a greater return and expedite the selling process.

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Quick Prep for Last-Minute Showings

You might occasionally get a call for a last-minute showing. Here’s a quick checklist to help you prepare:  
 

1. Sound: To create a welcoming atmosphere, turn off the television and set the radio to a soft rock, middle of the road, or classic rock station at a low volume.

2. Sight: Ensure your home feels bright and inviting by turning on all the lights and opening every drape and blind. This is particularly effective during the daytime.

3. Odors: To create a pleasant aroma in the house, slowly heat some frozen pastry in the oven or heat a pan on the stove and add a few drops of vanilla.

4. Kitchen: Tidy up the kitchen by wiping down counters and placing any dirty dishes in the dishwasher to enhance the cleanliness of the space.

5. Bathrooms: Make sure the bathrooms are neat; wipe down the counters and remember to flush and close the toilets.

6. Living/Family Rooms: Keep these areas clutter-free by hiding magazines, newspapers, and games out of sight.

7. Bedrooms: Straighten the beds and hide any clutter under the bed, avoiding placing items in the closet.

8. Exterior:  Clear the exterior by putting away toys and other clutter, ensuring pathways are clean and accessible.

9. Children & Pets: To minimize distractions during the showing, it’s best to send children and pets outside for the duration.

10. Goodbye: It’s important to leave the premises during the showing. Buyers need to envision themselves in the space without the current owners present. This emotional connection is crucial for them to feel committed to the home. If possible, consider going to the store or spending time in the backyard while the showing takes place.

​Following these steps can significantly enhance your home's appeal and help potential buyers envision it as their own.