I strongly suggest you follow this checklist everyday. Bear in mind that very often the sale of your home has more to do with the buyer's reaction to your home, than to reason.

• Create a bright and cheerful atmosphere by saturating all rooms with light. Open draperies and curtains (make sure your windows are clean) and turn on all lights, even in midday. (Darkness has only negative reactions - it is often depressing and makes the room appear smaller.) At night, turn on all porch and outside lights, and make sure every room in the house is well lit. All light bulbs and switches, especially in the basement and in closets, should be operational.
• Set the stage! Turn on soft, instrumental music, and make sure all TV's are off.
• Make all beds and have items cleared from the furniture, chairs and floor in an organized fashion. Yes, buyers are going to look in your closets, so keep them shaped up. Remember, this is your chance to show, by example, that your home has the storage space the potential buyer needs!
• Bathrooms should shine! Remove all unnecessary items from the sink, shower stalls and commode tops. Plush towels, coordinated in one or two colors, leave a favorable impression.
• Make certain your kitchen sparkles! Attend to all dirty dishes and remove all clutter from countertops, tabletops and refrigerators. All flooring and carpeting should be swept clean of debris.
• The temperature in your home should be comfortable. If it's hot, turn on the air conditioner (people will then know it works). If it's cold, turn up the furnace. If you have a fireplace, feel free to use it. If it's not in use, make sure it's clean and filled with logs.
• Clear the yard and driveway of clutter.
• Pets should be kept out of the house. Not everyone likes having cats and dogs around, and some people are allergic to them. A warm and inviting aroma (i.e. potpourri) is a nice touch.

If you must stay home, greet the agent and prospect at the door and politely excuse yourself immediately. Stay in another part of the house, or preferably outside, rather than tagging along. If the potential buyer isn't comfortable in your home, he won't see himself living there!

Remember, first impressions can turn a buyer on or off, but never both!

©2002 Marge Harris. Publication or use of this article on or off-line without written permission from Marge Harris is prohibited. If you would like to use Marge's articles on your Web site or in your publication, just email Marge for details!

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