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Helpful Hints for Selling a Home

Start with a fresh look at your property, curbside, from a buyer's stand point. Does the property look well kept? Is it clean? Would a coat of fresh paint make it look 'loved'? Maybe pruning the trees and shrubs would make the house look less wild and bring more light in through the windows. New mulch and a few flowering plants in the landscape help to eliminate a barren look. Does the front door or windows facing the street need a new coat of paint? Would a new mailbox enhance the exterior? Replace or remove any older "yard-art" and find a place to stash the yard tools and neatly hang the hose in its place. Keep outdoor kids toys stowed neatly away, out of sight from the road.

Inside, take down personal photographs to help buyers see it as 'their' house. Clean out your closets and shelves to the point where they almost look empty. Well organized pantries and closets look larger.

Clean carpets, or remove worn or dirty area rugs. If the carpet is old, think about replacing it yourself instead of being asked to offer funds for a carpeting allowance.

Could the room with too much furniture be made to look better with a few pieces taken out? Does the den look better with less books and cherished knick-knacks? Be willing to box up some things for a few months to keep the feeling of your house more spacious. Move furniture around to create a better walking pattern through the house.

Make some changes that could make your house more appealing to a larger percent of the population. Bright colors on walls might be a favorite of yours, but toning it down gives the feeling of more space and openness.

Keep the bathrooms and kitchen extra clean. Remove that wallpaper that is busy and paint the wall a neutral color.

Keep pets leashed or arrange to take them with you when the agent is showing the house. Odors turn buyers off at the door, so keep the house smelling fresh.

Keep the shades, blinds, or curtains open to let in as much sunshine as possible. Make sure there area no burned out light bulbs and even change light bulbs to a higher wattage for more light.

Tighten loose screws, oil squeaky doors, fix dripping faucets, and pay attention to detail. If the little things aren't taken care of, buyers will wonder about the rest of the house.