Merchandising = SOLD!

Selling your home is serious business and you only get one chance to make an impression on a particular buyer. Consider the fact that homes are SOLD by comparison to other homes (including new homes) and make your home the best.

The following include the common items to consider when preparing your home for presentation to the public.

APPEARANCE (OUTSIDE) "CURB APPEAL": The first impression of a home is the outside. Miscellaneous items (i.e. toys, tools or debris) should be removed for drive-by prospects, as well as, for appointed showings. Manicured lawn and landscaped areas make a great impression. Neat and fresh front entry and front door create a positive expectation of what is to come inside.

ARRANGE FOR EASY TRAFFIC FLOW: Furniture, accessories and personal items should allow for the visiting buyer to move freely through rooms and traffic areas.

ATTIC, BASEMENT, CLOSETS, GARAGE & STORAGE: Spring cleaning and arranging is profitable in these areas. It is also a good time to donate items that are no longer used by the homeowner. (Get a receipt from a recognized charity and claim as a tax deduction. Many charities will even send a truck by to pick up your contribution.).

CLUTTER-FREE EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR: Ditto the suggestions from the Attic, Basement, Closets, Garage & Storage above.

DOORS: All doors and hardware should work properly. Wash, touch up or paint areas where discolored.

FACT SHEETS: The information in fact sheets offered to prospects should include amenities and benefits of the home and the area (particularly those that can not be readily seen).

FAUCETS: Stop any drips.

FLOOR COVERING: Freshly vacuumed carpets are usually enough but if excess wear has occurred on carpet, tile or hardwood, the cost of repair or replacement may make the difference of thousands in final sales price.

FOYER: First interior impression. Many homeowners never enter their own front foyer and consequently are unaware of the impression it will make on those who enter the home through the front door. Enter your foyer and see it for the first time....

DECK & PATIO: Organized, debris free and free of discoloration. Replace wood as needed.

GUTTERS: Clean and straighten.

LIGHTING: Turn on the lights, particularly, in the halls and dark corners to show the home off.

MUSIC: Have you noticed that stores help you into the buying mood by having music piped in? When a home has a subtle music it comes alive for visitors. Careful with your music if you decide to use this ... the wrong music can backfire and hurt the showing more than help.

ODOR: Every home has its odors. Simmering cinnamon sticks in a pan of water create a pleasant fragrance that drifts throughout the home.

OVERDUE MAINTENANCE: Make a list as you walk around and through your home of the things that need attention. Do whatever you can to bring everything up to its best condition.

PAINT & PATCH: Paint should be a neutral tone (one that will adapt to other colors) when possible to suit the colors added by the furniture and accessories of a buyer.

PETS: Remove pets and pet items from the home during showings. Many of us are pet lovers, but some people are allergic to pet odors, etc.. Also, many people fear certain animals and would be distracted from viewing the home attentively with the presence of a pet.

SIDEWALKS AND DRIVES: Clean and clear of debris.

SMOKE: If you smoke you already know how many people are offended by smoke and will eliminate the possibility of buying if smoking odors are present in a home. Ventilate your home, and consider using an air purifier to eliminate smoke odors.

TEMPERATURE SETTINGS: Set the heating and cooling thermostats at comfortable temperatures for all showings.

UTILITIES: The cost of energy is often a mystery to consumers ... "if utility bills are not offered it must be bad" is the general prospect assumption. Make your average monthly utility expense available.

WINDOWS: Clean and shine.