First impressions mean everything when it comes to selling your home.  If I buyer walks into your home and instantly is turned off by the color of the walls, the clutter, or even the dog hair covering your furniture, you can bet that they won't be back, even if it has the potential of being the ideal home for them.  When preparing your home for sale you must always keep in mind that you are showcasing your home's features and staging it to attract a wide variety of tastes, not just yours. 

Follow these steps to be sure that your home is ready to be shown:
*Have a pen and paper ready, and take meticulous notes!

  Start with the outside:

• Does your home lack curb appeal?
• Does outside paint need touching up?
• Is the shrubbery and landscaping neatly groomed and manicured?
• Is anything broken, or is there clutter in the garage?

 Go through each room in your home and critique it in the same way:

• Is there too much clutter(too much on counters, cabinets, floor), or too much furniture?
  
• Does each space have a defined purpose?
• Is the furniture placed properly?  Is there good flow throughout the house?

Important things to keep in mind:

• Your home should have character, but not too much.  You want the buyer(no matter what preferences they have) to be able to picture themselves there.  This is why it is also important to de-personal your home. Decorating should be sophisticated, yet simple.
  
• All walls should be painted with colors from a neutral pallet. 
  
• Proper lighting- Be sure to expose all windows, bringing in as much light as possible.
• Showcase features; such as a beautiful fireplace, or high ceiling by using longer drapes etc.
• Update anything that is obviously outdated(especially in kitchen and bathrooms, you will always get a return on these if you don't go over the top).  Be aware that if you fail to repair obvious things, the buyer will not only see dollar signs, but it will also be a red flag for them to look for more!

After you have made your list:
Go through and prioritize your list.  After prioritized, make deadlines for them and determine which ones you will be able to do on your own and which ones you can't.  Delegate duties, enlist friends, decorators, and handymen if you need to.  Set a budget and a time line and stick to it!

As your Realtor,  I would be more than happy to walk you through this entire process.  I will be there for you every step of the way to ensure that your home is sold in a timely fashion for the most return!  Call me today,
Chris Gempeler