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SIMPLE TIPS FOR BETTER HOME SHOWINGS.   

                                    

1.  REMOVE CLUTTER AND CLEAR OFF COUNTERS.  Throw out stacks of newspapers and magazines, and stow away most of your small decorative items.  Put excess furniture in storage and remove out of season clothing items that are cramping closet space.  Don't forget to clean out garage too.

2.  WASH YOUR WINDOWS AND SCREENS  This will help get more light into the interior of the home.

3.  KEEP EVERYTHING EXTRA CLEAN.  A clean house will make a strong first impression and send a message to the buyera that the home has been well cared for.  Wash fingers prints from light switch plates, mop and wax floors, and clean the stove and refrigerator.  It is worth hiring a cleaning service if you are able.

4.  GET RID OF SMELLS.  Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells.  Open windows to air out the house.  Potpourri and scented candles will help.

5.  BRIGHTEN YOUR ROOMS.  Put higher wattage bulbs in light fixtures to brighten up rooms and basements.  Replace any burned out bulbs in closets.  Clean the walls, or better yet, brush on a fresh coat of neutral color paint.

6.  DON'T DISREGARD MINOR REPAIRS.  Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked chaulking, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they give buyers the impression that the house is not well maintained.

7.  TIDY YOUR YARD. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, add new mulch, trim the trees and bushes.  For added appeal, place a pot of bright flowers near the entry way.

8.  PATCH HOLES.  Repair any holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if appicable.

9.  MAKE CENTERPIECES FOR OYUR TABLE. Use brightly colored friut or flowers.

10.  REPLACE HEAVY CURTAINS WITH SHEER ONES.  Let more light in and show view if you have one.

11.  MAKE THE BATHROOMS FEEL LUXURIOUS.  Put away those old towels and toothbrushes. When buyers enter your bathroom, they should feel pampered. Add a new shower curtain, new towels. Make sure your personal toiletry items are out of sight.

12. LOCK UP ALL VALUABLES AND JEWLERY AND MONEY.  While a real estate agent will be on site during showings, it's impossibile to watch everyone all the time.

13.  LEAVE THE HOME. It is best if the seller's are not at home. It is awkward for propective buyers to look in your closets and express opinions of your home with you there.