While You Are Out Walking the Goldfish,
What Should The Buyers See?

Well, we have covered everything, or at least the top hitters -- outside of the house. What are the top hitters inside the house? It just so happens that we pick right where we left off – the front door.

A Good First Impression Is Always Important
Of course, you also want to send the buyers off with a lasting favorable impression. The front door usually serves both purposes, especially if the lock box is located at the front door. So, their first impression is also the last thing they see. You hope to have heavy traffic when the property hits the markets. It may be good to buy a nice new plush door mat, something that will absorb moisture or knock the dust from the bottom of shoes. In wet weather, it helps to add another protective mat inside the door. Some people may remove their shoes; others will not. Most people try to be conscientious if you supply the tools for them to wipe the bottom of their shoes well.

Windows, Glass And Mirrors
We touched on this subject when we talked about the Front Door & Entryway but this theme applies throughout the house. All windows (inside and out), all glass (chandeliers, glass cabinets, mirrors, etc. etc. etc.) should be squeaky clean. If possible, throw some light on them to show the sparkle.

Fixtures and Plumbing
Again, sparkle - sparkle - sparkle. All your tub and sink surfaces and fixtures should look new. If a fixture doesn't respond to cleaning, they are available in home improvement stores everywhere. Don’t buy anything too fancy, you want to keep expenses down but it should be attractive and match the other fixtures and decor. Be sure none of the faucets leak and that all faucet handles turn easily.

Check all your water supply lines to be sure they are open fully to provide the best water pressure. Give all of your drain a good dose of “pipe friendly” drain cleaner so water drains with a slurp. If you have problem areas such as stains on porcelain that you cannot get out, you may want to consider professional help, (no not a shrink), hire a cleaning crew to go through and clean your home on a one-time basis. Tip them off to some of your problem so they can come armed. They seem to know all the tricks.

Ceilings, Walls and Painting
Check all the ceilings for water stains. Sometimes old leaks leave stains, even after you have repaired the leak. Of course, if you do have a leak, you will have to get it repaired, whether it is a plumbing problem or a roof leak.

You should do the same for walls, looking for not only stains, but also areas where dirt has accumulated and you just may not have noticed. Plus, you may have an outdated color scheme.

Painting can be your best investment when selling your home. It is not a very expensive operation and often you can do it yourself. Do not choose colors based on your own preferences, but based on what would appeal to the widest possible number of buyers. You should almost always choose an off-white color because white helps your rooms appear bright and spacious.

Carpet and Flooring
Unless your carpet appears old and worn, or it is definitely an outdated style or color, you probably should do nothing more than hire a good carpet cleaner. If you do choose to replace it, do so with a fairly neutral color. If it needs replacement, you may find it better to consider a "carpet allowance."

Repair or replace broken floor tiles, but do not spend a lot of money on it. Remember, you are not fixing up the place for yourself. You want to move. Your goal is simply to give an impression of wholeness, of being complete. The buyer is likely to replace whatever you select anyway.

Windows and Doors
Check all of your windows to make sure they open and close easily. If not, a spray of WD40 often helps. Make sure there are no cracked or broken windowpanes. If there are, replace them before you begin showing your home

Do the same things with the doors – make sure they open and close properly, without creaking. If they do, a shot of WD40 on the hinges usually makes the creak go away. Be sure the doorknobs turn easily, and that they are cleaned and polished to look sharp. As buyers go from room to room, someone opens each door and you want to do everything necessary to create a positive impression. Next: About Pricing .

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