Preparing your home for sale is, in part, preparing yourself for selling what has become a part of you. The preparation will be a useful exercise in separating yourself from the house. Because buyers are most attracted to “model houses,” preparing your house means minimizing that “lived-in” quality you have enjoyed so much.

The objective is to show off your house to its best advantage, spotlighting its strengths and potential. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• First impressions are key
  • Enhance your home’s curb appeal with a well-kept yard and refreshed façade (siding, trim, doors, windows, gates, fences in good condition, well-painted)
  • Make sure exterior lighting is clean and in good working condition.
    
• Clean and uncluttered are your goals
  • Remove clutter from living areas, closets, basements, attics, garages
  • Clean carpets, hardwood, ceramic, and tile floors
  • Clean, clean, clean kitchens and bathrooms so they are immaculate
  • Clean appliances
  • Clean lighting fixtures and lamps; replace bulbs to create sparkle
  • Wash windows and window treatments.
    
• Repair those pesky problems and minor flaws you have lived with all these years
  • Fix leaky plumbing and faucets
  • Caulk tubs and showers
  • Repair loose knobs, sticking/ squeaky drawers, doors, and windows.
    
• Refresh the décor with neutral colors
  • Replace worn and dirty carpets
  • Repaint damaged and dirty walls.
    
• Highlight your home’s personality
  • Open drapes and blinds to let light pour into the sun room
  • Light the fireplace (in winter) to create that cozy feeling in the family room
  • Turn on the lamps (not overheads) in the library for that literary ambiance
  • Keep heating and air conditioning at comfortable levels.
    
• Keep pets out of the way
• Make sure litter boxes and feeding dishes are clean and out of the way
• Same with your pets (you may love them, but don’t expect prospective buyers to).
  
• Leave the showings to Gloria—that’s her job, and she’s good at it
  • Try to be out (less stress on you and your family)
  • If you must be home, stay in another area of the house; refer all questions to Gloria.

After viewing your house, Gloria will recommend steps you should take to improve its marketability. Because houses that sell most quickly are those that sell for the highest prices, she will suggest specific enhancements that are most effective in making your house most appealing.