1. Be objective. Try to think from a buyer's point of view. Separate yourself from the emotional attachment you have to your house as much as possible. Realize that money spent on repairs or improvements can't simply be added to your original purchase price to determine current market value. You may have unrecoverable expenses as part of real estate ownership.

2. Critically analyze the exterior. What first impression does it convey? Does it encourage someone to look inside? What can be done to improve the appearance; cleaning, painting, tuckpointing, landscaping, etc? Trim hedges, grass, trees, etc. Examine the windows, gutters, downspouts, chimney, etc. Do they operate well and are they in the best possible condition? What about the screens and/or storms? Again, should they be painted?

3. The entryway should feel spacious. Minimize clutter and clear traffic patterns. Rearrange furniture to create more spacious walkways. Sacrifice practicality for appearance. Store, sell or dispose any possible furniture, toys, boxes or clutter to make rooms feel open and spacious. Avoid eccentric décor. De-personalize teenagers’ rooms, the game room or other areas by removing wild posters or any decorative items that could be construed as offensive. Your goal is appeal to the masses.

4. Are the floors or carpets in good condition? If they are stained, damaged or heavily worn they must be cleaned, repaired or replaced. Flooring is one of your property's most visible and obvious characteristics and should be a top priority. If there are cracking, peeling, faded, dirty or otherwise damaged walls in your house - correct them. No question. This is the easiest way to improve the appearance of your property.

5. If there is any unusual smell in the house from pets, cooking, recent repair work, etc.- eliminate it. Odors are one the strongest deterrents to potential buyers. Ask a friend or relative. You may have grown accustom to it!

6. Kitchens and bathrooms must be spotless and fully functional. Dirt, grease, hair, etc. are big turn-offs to anyone. If tiles, countertops, caulk, etc. are cracked or otherwise damaged, repair them. Buyers will spot what seems like a tiny flaw immediately. Keep in mind this is a major purchase for them; they will be very picky. Are all of the appliances modern, up-to date and in good condition? If you have any doubt, sell or donate them for a tax deduction and replace them with new models. It is well worth the effort. Clear off countertops of appliances, etc. Open spaces are appealing to the eye. And remove magnets, pictures, etc. from the refrigerator. Consider replacing shower curtain, towels, guest soaps.

7. Paint, stain or repair any cabinets or built-in furniture that require it. Remove any items possible to make storage spaces appear larger. In general, buyers tend to overestimate the cost of repairs. You're better off completing the work yourself, showing the property to its best advantage and not leaving an opportunity to negotiate the sales price.

8. Since buyers will be looking in all of the closets, remove any unnecessary junk and organize them so they are always neat and look roomier. Be certain the garage and/or storage areas are also neat and organized. You never know what or where a buyer will want to examine.

9. Check the lighting. All fixtures must be functional. Increase the wattage in light bulbs in the laundry room, kitchen and bathrooms. Look for dark areas and add lighting as needed. Bright rooms feel more spacious and inviting. For showings, turn on lights in every room.

10. Give directions and warnings of one-way streets to buyers trying to view your property whenever possible. Also give them any possible advice as to parking locations. You want them to be able to get to your house!

11. Be aware of other similar houses being offered. Also be realistic about pricing and price as competitively as possible. If you do not you may be helping to sell other similar properties while yours remains unsold- making it seem undesirable.

12. Make a timetable of how long you anticipate it will take to market and sell your property - and stick to it. If you are not current with your timetable, step up your marketing efforts or consider lowering your asking price. Your efforts must be sincere and focused. You will not sell your house in a one-day-a-week marketing fashion.

13. Overall, you want your property to seem as new, sanitary and as much like a model home as possible. Minimize personal items such as photos, mementos, clothes, etc. where possible. Put away large collections- ceramics, plates, etc. This is truly important because it will allow buyers to better picture the property as their own and not someone else's.

14. Think about what is unappealing in other people's homes and make certain those things do not exist in yours as well. It seems obvious, but all too often we are prejudiced to our own houses as owners. Hire a professional cleaning service or contractors if you’re short on time.

15. Call Shawn today!

Preparing for Property Showings .

When you leave in the morning or during the day, leave it as if you know it is going to be shown. It's difficult sometimes and might even mean you have to get up a little earlier in order to take care of these important items. You never know when the right person is going to look at it, so you must always be ready for them. Consider hiring a cleaning service to help. A spotlessly clean home is essential; dirt and grime will discourage a buyer faster than anything

• Store safely away valuables and money. Although the prospects will be accompanied by an agent and incidents are virtually nonexistent it’s impossible to watch everyone at every moment…and why invite problems or promote temptation?
• Everything should be neat, clean and uncluttered. Put away kitchen appliances and personal bathroom items to give the illusion of more counter space
• Open blinds, drapes and shades - let the light in
• Turn lights on, especially in dark areas such as hallways and baths
• Turn on air conditioning so house temperature is comfortable
• Open bedroom and bathroom doors
• Keep toilet seats closed Pick up newspapers and magazines
• Make the beds. Pick up any clothes
• Wash dishes. Dishwasher should be empty. Clear counters of unnecessary appliances or clutter
• Take out the trash
• Set the kitchen or dining table
• Turn TV off
• Turn loud music off; soft music on very low is nice
• Keeps pets outside or out of the way. Some people may be fearful or allergic
• Turn on lawn sprinklers for 30 minutes before showing to give lawn and garden sparkle
• And you, the seller, should walk outside or run an errand; buyers are more likely to share their true feelings without the seller being present. If staff must remain ensure they are out of the way and look busy or preoccupied