Ways to spruce up your house to help it sell.

** 52 Ways To Help Sell Your Home **

So you're going to sell your house. How do you think people will react when they see it? Usually people decide within two minutes whether they like your house. The first impression is often the lasting impression. That's why it's vitally important to be sure the first impression is a good one. Here's a list of time-tested tips that will make your home more presentable.

Outside

Invest in landscaping where it can be seen at first sight.
An extra shot of fertilizer, in season, will make your grass look lush and green.
Cut back over-grown shrubbery that looks scraggly or keeps light out of house.
Paint your house if necessary. This can probably do more for sales appeal than any other factor. If you decide against painting, at least consider painting front shutters and window frames.
In winter, walks should be free of snow and ice.
Inspect roof and gutters. Any missing shingles to replace? Gutters and down spouts in place? Need paint or repair?
Consider putting flowers outside front door.
Repaint front door.
Put bright coat of paint on mailbox.
Repair any broken outdoor steps.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the most important room in the house. Make it bright and attractive. If dull, paint cabinets or put up new curtains.
Clean ventilating hood over range.
If kitchen floor is badly worn, put down new flooring. If single tile is loose, apply heat to tile with iron covered with soft cloth to soften adhesive-then replace tile.
Remove any appliances on your counters, like toaster, coffee-maker, can-opener. Clean counters make room look larger.

Bathroom

Repair any dripping faucets.
Put out fresh towels.
Use special cleaning products to remove stains from toilets, bathtubs, sinks.
If sink and bathtub drain too slowly, unclog them.

Living Areas

Have all plaster in top shape. Cracks, nail-pops, visible seams in dry walls are easy to fix.
Check ceilings for leak stains. Fix cause of damage, repair ceiling and repaint.
In painting and re-decorating, avoid off-beat colors. Stick to conventional white outside and easy-to-work with neutrals inside.
Faded curtains or bedspreads can be dyed bright colors.
If you have a fireplace, clean it out and lay some logs in it to make it look inviting.
Wash windows.
Replace any broken glass.
Mend any torn screens.
Check to see that all windows will open and close easily.
Replace burned out light bulbs. Use brighter bulbs.
Be sure every light switch works.
Make floors shine-clean and polish them. Nail down any creaking boards or stair treads (drive two long finishing nails at opposing angles through floor and sub-floor into joist).
Straighten up closets, get rid of excess. Use room deodorant to eliminate any musty odors. Lubricate any sticky or squeaking doors.
For doors that stick slightly, rub block of paraffin against surface that shows signs of wear.
For sliding doors that stick in their tracks, rub tracks with paraffin or candle wax.

Basement, Attic, Garage

Clean out attic, basement and garage and dispose of everything you are not going to move. Package everything you won't need until you're settled in your new home.
Make sure there is plenty of light on stairs to basement.
If your basement is dark and gloomy, paint ceilings and walls a light color.
Remove any clutter from garage and clean floor thoroughly.

When House is Being Shown

Keep room draperies and shades open to let in light and make rooms appear larger.
Have your home well-lighted.
At night, turn on porch light and/or outdoor lighting.
Neatness makes a room look bigger. Avoid clutter.
If possible, leave your furniture and rugs in the house for showing it.
Avoid having dirty dishes in the sink or on counters.
Keep any toys in children's room. Bikes, wagons and skateboards should not be out in front, but made as inconspicuous as possible.
Keep radio, stereo, TV off or turned down.
Take your family away if your broker is holding open house.
Children should be quiet.
Refer direct inquiries you receive about seeing your house to your Realtor to take advantage of his or her skills in sellng your home.
Don't mention furniture or furnishing you wish to dispose of unless asked. Such discussion can kill the sale.
Shoo pets outdoors when your house is being shown.
Let your Realtor show your house; don't tag along. Answer questions candidly when asked, but don't gush answere to unasked questions.
The 52nd way to sell your home is to list it with Chris Phillips of Re/Max (Actually, that's the first way to sell).

For more information:
Chris Phillips
5560 Kirkwood Hwy.
Wilmington, DE 19808 US
Email: cphillips@remax.net
302-442-4200
Fax: 302-442-4201