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Preparing Your Home To Sell For More

Clark Howard is the host of The Clark Howard Show, a radio talk show syndicated in more than seventy cities around the country. He is also a featured commentator on WSB-TV in Atlanta and a columnist with the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

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An Owners Checklist

In addition to the repairs and major clean up projects which get your property to sell, it is equally important to clean, beautify and strengthen the appeal of your home prior to showing. Buyers are still primarily motivated by emotion. You want the buyers' tour of your home to be pleasant, exciting and productive. Here are some simple suggestions that will prepare your home in a uncluttered, clean, and inviting condition. Remember, the old saying,

"You don't get a second chance at a first impression".

Curb appeal

	Cut lawn
	Trim shrubs
	Weed and edge walks and flower beds
	Repair shutters, exterior trim, clean gutters of leaves
	Touch up exterior paint
	Repaint front door if faded

General Maintenance

	Tighten doorknobs
	Replace burned out light bulbs
	Touch up paint if possible
	Repair leaking faucets, toilets
	Wash windows
	Clean furnace and replace filters
	Create the illusion of Spaciousness
	Clear stairs and hall
	Eliminate bulky unnecessary furniture
	Make closets neat. Arrange shoes and other objects
	Clean coat closet. Its the first one inspected. Make it appear roomy
	Remove all clutter through out house
	Clear countertops of extra appliances. This makes the
	counters appear bigger and brighter.
	Clean Clean Clean
	Shampoo carpets
	Clean washer and dryer
	Clean refrigerator
	Clean and freshen bathrooms
	No Smoking inside.
	Clean light fixtures
	Clean out the garage
	Clean the oven

If you have decided that certain fixtures are not to be included in the sale of your house, (custom lighting fixtures, for example) remove and replace them before buyers are shown the house.

Showing Atmosphere

Avoid having any people or animals present during all showings so that buyers can visualize the home as their own. Do not be home for showings. A buyer is less likely to make themselves feel at home if you are there and will spend less time in your home. Plan your shopping, go for a walk, just be gone when a showing is scheduled. If you do run into a buyer, do not volunteer any information.

	Turn on lights (includes closet lights)
	Open drapes and blinds.
	Plays quiet background music
	Add pleasant scents with candles or food
	Keep the temperature comfortable
	Set your home off from the other houses on the street, a tub of geraniums or other flowers on the font porch

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