Choosing your real estate professional is, perhaps, the most important decision you will make when selling property. I believe the more you look around, the more you will see the value of working with me.

However, no matter whom you choose, these simple tips will help you sell your home more quickly and efficiently.

Seller Tips

Make first impressions count. You can never "redo" a first impression!  Without a doubt, a visually appealing house will attract buyers, who can't help but respond to the look and "feel" of a home. Take time to carefully prepare for showings and make your house stand out from the crowd and shine!   Don't forget the following:

• Cut the grass or shovel the snow
• Remove any clutter from the yard
• Weed gardens, trim hedges
• Wash steps, windows, railings, doors, etc
• Paint if needed
• Remove unnecessary clutter from garages

Scrub, dust and fix up the works. Buyers will notice details. Get rid of the clutter, repair leaky faucets, wage war on dust and clean until your home shines. Small things can make a potential buyer walk away. When you prepare your house for showing, remember to:

• Shampoo carpets
• Clean tubs, toilets and showers and hang fresh towels
• Oil squeaky doors
• Fix things like broken hinges, light switches and light bulbs 

Remember, there is a difference between the dust from today and the mess from last month.  Clean, Clean Clean!

Listen to suggestions. As you prepare your home, don't rely solely on your own judgement. It's hard to be objective when you're the owner. I will have helpful, professional tips on how to make your home more marketable. Take your emotions out of it.  Don't take these suggestions personally- I am here to help you sell your home.

Take a whiff. Nothing will turn a buyer away faster than an odd smell. Try to eliminate smoking, food and pet odors. And don't leave any clues. If potential buyers see a dog or an ashtray, they'll be on the lookout for smells and stains.

Turn on the lights. Open shades and draperies before a viewing. Open all doors inside home. Turn on inside and outside lights.

Let potential buyers "see" themselves in your home. Too many personal items can make viewers feel like they're intruding in someone else's home. Take down family photos and personal items.  Pack them away for your next home. Keep things clean and simple. Decorate in neutral colors.

Declutter.  I can't stress this enough!  If potential buyers can't see the floor it is time to declutter!  Take it all and box it up!  It will be well worth getting astorage unit for amonth or two if needed.  Your house should look like a showroom.  Put away stacks of laundry and put the toys in the toy box.  Take things off the counters in the kitchen and bath and put them away.  You don't want to create the appearance that there isn't enough storage.  While you might like to see your cookie jar on the counter, potential buyers have their own cookie jar. Don't cloud their move into your house.

If you haven't taken time to declutter and clean your house, you may lose the sale before a walk-through even begins.

Buyers can’t help but respond to your home emotionally. If the house is messy or there’s a strange smell coming from behind a closed door, they’ll likely make a quick exit and look for another home. I can't tell you how many times I've shown a house and the place is so cluttered and messy that the buyers feel overwhelmed and turn right around and say- no, let's go.

It may take some elbow grease on your part, but any effort you invest into preparing your home will pay off in the long run. 

Get out of the house. When buyers view your home, they'll be more comfortable and spend more time if you're not there. If you must be present, be as unobtrusive as possible or go take a walk. Let the Realtors do the work.

Stay unemotional during negotiations. Selling your home can be emotionally charged, but don't let that stand in the way of making a deal. Have a business-like attitude during the process.

Choose a Real Estate Professional you like and trust!