First impressions count with buyers. In today's age of consumerism, every buyer is comparative shopping. A small investment in time and money can give your home a solid advantage over competing properties. So by paying attention to detail now, you can enhance the perceived value later. The following are some suggestions for preparing your home to show to its best advantage.

     Create A Buying Mood

• Turn on every light in the home. Nothing is worse than dark corners; let them see it all.
• Turn on air conditioner/heater.
• Open the drapes (Clean the windows!).
• Light the fireplace.
• Put some nutmeg in your oven and run it just before the showing. It smells just like home made cookies just came out of the oven. Don't get too cute with other heavy scents... everyone loves a cookie, but not everyone is going to love your favorite incense.

     Exterior Appearance

• Keep lawns cut.
• Trim hedges and shrubs.
• Weed and edge gardens.
• Clear driveway and clean up oil spills.
• Clean out garage.
• Touch up paint.
• Make repairs where needed.

     Create Space

• Clear halls and stairs of clutter.
• Store surplus furniture.
• Clear kitchen counter and stove top.
• Clear closets of unnecessary clothing.
• Remove empty boxes and containers.

     Maintenance

• Repair leaking taps and toilets.
• Clean furnace and filters.
• Tighten door knobs and latches.
• Repair cracked plaster.
• Touch up paint.
• Clean and repair windows.
• Repair seals around tubs and basins.
• Replace defective light bulbs.
• Oil squeaking doors.
• Repair squeaking floor boards.

     Squeaky Clean

• Clean and freshen bathrooms.
• Clean fridge and stove (in and out).
• Clean around heating vents.
• Clean washer and dryer.
• Clean carpets, drapes and window blinds.

     At The Front Door

• Clean porch and foyer.
• Ensure door bell works.
• Repair screen on door.
• Fresh paint or varnish front door.
• Repair door locks and key access.