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Use a simple spiral notebook and jot down things that need to be done (cleaning, major and minor repairs, replacement items needed, etc.). As things are completed, highlight the completed item to mark them off your list! It reminds you that you ARE accomplishing many things, including those that aren't very noticeable but make a difference!
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Check to see that your yard is clean, flower beds are neat and weed-free, grass is mowed, trees are neatly trimmed away from the home, and mailbox looks good. (A simple coat of paint can really make a difference to a mailbox!) This is a visitor's first impression of your home.
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Is the exterior of your home is neat and clean? If areas need touch-up painting or even major repair, do this before listing your home. This is the 2nd impression of your home!. (If a home looks unkempt on the outside, some prospective buyers won't go any further to check out the rest of the home, even though the inside may be terrific.)
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Make sure the doorbell works! (3rd impression of your home!)
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Clean windows!
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Does the home smell neat and clean? (No heavy incense, potpourri or strong candle scents, and please...no diaper, kitty litter or animal odors!). Some sellers wisely have chocolate chip cookies or yeast cinnamon rolls baking right before a visitor comes, which not only provides a homey scent, but also provide something to nibble on while visitors view the home).
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Remove boxes, clutter and all trash, as well as any unnecessary furniture or accessories. This helps the home appear larger and visitors more easily envision their own furniture and accessories in the home.
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This is a great time to organize closets, the garage and the kitchen! Make sure the bathrooms are spotless! Have a 'pre-listing' garage sale! Not only will it provide a little extra cash to spruce up the home, but it will also help you remove clutter, make your home appear larger...AND decrease the amount of things you have to move! (Suggestion: If you haven't used an item in a year or two, consider letting it go!)
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Make sure all appliances work. Put new rings under your stove top burners (don't line burner rings, or the oven, with foil), clean out the oven, microwave and refrigerator. Make sure your dishwasher is clean, however, leave a couple of clean dishes inside.
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Add some fresh flowers to generate some color in the home.
OK, OK...I know I said there were ten, but, there are a couple more!!
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Replace any burned out light-bulbs and make sure all light bulbs work.
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Clean vents in home (no mold or dirt)
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Dust (all ceiling fans, baseboards, doors, pictures, furniture and windowsills).
Once a client immediately got a contract on her home after she organized her garage and then painted the garage floor a light blue with concrete floor paint. It made her home stand out from similar homes in the area, and was a subtle selling point.
With a little added effort on your part, you will increase the value of your home, as well as the likelihood that your home will sell quicker.
A Note To The Wise: It's better to wait a month to list your home (in order to take time to get it in great shape), than to have a prospective buyer walk away from your home, simply because it doesn't appear to be well maintained.
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