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To teach me lessons as a child, my mother often used famous adages….”A penny saved is a penny earned”, “Haste makes waste”,  ”penny wise and pound foolish” etc.  A more contemporary   favorite of mine, which certainly applies to real estate is, “Like a boy scout, always be prepared!”.

Keeping that adage in mind, to fascilitate the sale of your home,  it is in your best interest to prepare your home for sale.  This will not only shorten the time it will take to snag a buyer but will also increase your net .

How about the saying, “First impressions are lasting”?  Nothing could personify this idea more than the lasting effect the first impression  of a home has on a buyer.  With this knowledge, a wise seller will take a long, hard look at his home from the curb to the front door.  Dirty roofs, driveways and walkways, dented and peeling garage doors, and finger-smudged front doors are not good for first impressions.  A smart seller will also spruce up the landscaping, adding new mulch and colorful flowers, and even paint the exterior, if need be.

Think about the saying, “Less is more” when preparing the inside of your home for sale.  Less clutter…It’s time to clear the counters, get rid of some of the furniture, clean the closets and start packing.  Less drama…Paint the purple polka dot walls a nice, neutral color and replace the orange carpet with beige. 

Biblically speaking, how about, “Let there be light”?  Dark houses are depressing!  Clean the windows and open the blinds and shades.  Take a look at your light bulbs. They are probably dust-laden.  Why not replace them, or at least give them a thorough cleaning.

“A rose by any other name….”  It’s a wonderful idea to enhance your home with the sight and smell of  fresh flowers.  Needless to say, the lingering odors of pets, litter boxes, or cigarettes are huge no-no’s!  Air fresheners are also a good idea, as long as the aroma is not too heavy.  How about baking cookies prior to a showing?

As a seller, it is best to “walk a mile” in the buyer’s shoes….imagine what you would look for in a home.  No doubt, you would want it to be well maintained, sparkle with cleanliness, and  be easily adaptable.  With all these tips to prepare your home for sale, it is my hope that “a word to the wise is sufficient!”