Exterior
First impressions are very important! Be sure the lawn is trimmed , the shrubbery is neat and the beds are clear. It might be necessary to hire a lawn care service to neaten everything up, but this will go a long way.

The front entry is particularly important, as it is the main entrance to the home. Paint the front door, if necessary and clean the porch lantern and house numbers. Arrange plants by the entrance, weather permitting.

Clean the windows.

Clean out and organize your garage so that it looks as large as possible.


Interior
Redecorate if necessary, as best you can. Your listing agent can help you decide what needs to be done.

Bright rooms are cheerful rooms to a perspective buyer. If a room is dark, try to keep it as light as possible by using window treatments and bright bulbs, especially in the basement.

A sparkling kitchen and bathrooms give a favorable impression.

Neat bedrooms help sales. Use your best spreads and have dressers and tabletops neatly arranged. Make sure all the surfaces are dusted and that the curtains are dust free as well.

Neat closets look large. Clean out overstuffed closets and store clothes in the attic or storage rooms.

Clear stairways are essential. Items placed on any stairs are dangerous and present a crowded appearance.

A clean, bright basement is important.

Open the windows, weather permitting, to freshen the air. Fresh flowers are a good idea, too.


During the Showing
Have as few people as possible in the house when it is shown. This puts buyers at ease and helps them to absorb the advantages of your property. It is best to leave your home when buyers are previewing it.

Pets can be distracting. Try to keep them out of the way – preferably out of the house.

A radio station diverts the buyer’s attention. It is best to have them off when the house is being shown.

Let the sales associate talk. Be polite but do not strike up conversation with the buyers. The sales associate has already given a “build up” on your property and needs all the attention of the buyers to increase their interest.

Let the sales associate show the property. Don’t spoil the chances he/she has to “sell” your house by following him/her around. Many sales have been lost due to the over-enthusiasm of an owner trying to “sell” a buyer while previewing a property with a sales associate.

Never apologize for the appearance or condition of your home. It will only draw the buyers attention to faults that they might not have even noticed.

Don’t get involved in a discussion with the customer if he objects or remarks about a room arrangement or other points about your property. The trained sales associate can more easily overcome these objectives.

First sell the house. Don’t try to sell the buyers any furniture, rugs or drapes. This complicates the sale and detracts from the interest created in the house. If they desire a carpet or rug, the sales associate will ask you about it.