Motivated to sell your home for top dollar?

  Most home owners are not willing to go the extra mile to sell their home.  They rely soling on an agent's marketing ability.  However, and real estate agent can only do so much to sell your home.  A buyer who is welcomed into a home that has not been properly prepared (cleaned, decluttered and staged) can and often will leave without even a hint of interest.  The correct staging of your home can go a long way toward achieving a successful sale at the highest price.

Outside In - A day or two of yard work can mean all the difference in the world to a buyer. A yard and home exterior that is kept up indicates to a buyer that the home has been well taken care of on the inside.  Always keep your lawn trimmed and edged. During winter, keep snow and ice removed from sidewalks. Be sure the lawn is kept clear of garbage, children’s toys or any other hazards on the walkways or steps.  In the spring and summer months, adding flowering plants and greenery to your home's walk ways and flower beds will welcome a buyer in.

Don't ignore your front door - The front door to your home and is another focal point which should not be ignored. Step outside your front door and take an objective view. A fresh coat of paint or scrubbing your door clean will be well worth the effort invested. A seasonal door decoration is also warm and inviting.  Don't forget to make sure that the outside lighting to your home is clean and in working order at all times.

Paint - Faded, dirty walls, wallpaper and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Paint is a very inexpensive way to give your home a "face life".  A fresh coat of paint in a neutral color may mean the difference between a full price offer and a price cut.

Clean, Clean, Clean!!! - Especially the kitchens and bathrooms in your home.  Be sure these rooms are gleaming! Put away mail, food, cookware, pictures etc.  Counter tops should be clean and free of clutter. Repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Fixtures should always be polished. Put out fresh towels and add subtle air fresheners.  Clean carpets will also be well worth the investment, taking out old smells and stains.

Organize - Purchase totes for storing all of the family pictures on your walls, books on your shelves and nic-nacs on your tables. Get rid of old newspapers, magazines or other "homey clutter".  While your possessions are important to you, they make potential buyers see your home as yours...not theirs.  Make sure beds are made and clothing is put away. Neat, well-organized closets show that there is ample storage space.

Finish that honey do list - Minor flaws in your home suggest neglect to the prospect. Have them fixed so we can get top dollar for your home. Be sure to clean and check major appliances.

Make your home stand out from the rest - Check all light fixtures for burned out bulbs and leave the lights on for all showings.  Open window blinds and coverings to let in the nature light.  Your home will project a feeling of warmth and welcome for the potential buyers when rooms are will lit. (Even on sunny days, turn on as many lights as possible.) Clean windows always help to illuminate your walls and ceilings. Keep them sparkling while your home is being shown. Set the mood for the prospective buyers by turning on your stereo to some soft, soothing music!

Showtime - Once a showing is scheduled, try to make plans to be gone.  If you, your spouse or your children are present during the showing, the buyers may feel uncomfortable and hurry through your home. Safely cage your animals to protect them and your potential buyers. If you pets become stressed when you have visitors, try to take them with you.  Then relax and know that you've done what you can to sell your home.