DO YOU SEE WHAT THEY SEE?
Prospective homebuyers want to see your home at its best. Over the years as a real estate professional I have seen the difference staging your home can make. Making a few simple changes often increases the number of interested buyers or the selling price of a home. After a few years, a home may take on a "lived in" look that may be detrimental to its selling price. The following are a few tips to make your house look its best.

1. Clean the driveway and remove all cars.

2. Keep the entrance and the exterior of your house spotless and welcoming (consider buying a new doormat). Remove garbage cans, lawnmowers, newspapers, toys, and anything that is lying around the outside of your house.

3. Keep the landscaping clean. Be sure to mow the lawn, trim the hedges and shrubs, and remove weeds.

4. Clean all of the rooms in your house, including the garage. Visitors will likely view the whole house.

5. Paint the exterior and the interior of your house. Walls should be clean. Use art sparingly, it often makes the room appear cluttered and smaller.

6. Make sure all appliances and plumbing are working.

7. Make sure the roof and gutters aren't leaking.

8. Pay attention to the floors including vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping. The carpets should be new and/or clean, the floors should be shining.

9. Dry clean drapes, replace if needed.

10. Tidy closets and storage spaces. Donate or throw out items that you no longer need.

11. Brighten up your rooms with fresh flowers or small plants.

12. Open windows and let in as much natural lighting as possible. Lights should not be dimmed and the rooms should not appear dark.

13. Get rid of any odors.

14. Remove any personal touches such as extra pictures, collections, or old furniture.

If you would like to set up a home viewing or you need more tips on how to present your house, feel free to call me at (609) 978-3623 or visit my website at sellertom.com.