FIRST IMPRESSIONS

First impressions are the most important to a buyer.  Be sure that the exterior of your home is inviting:

• Your exterior paint should be perfect.  Consider the value of a quick touch-up coat.

• Keep your grass cut, hedges, walkways and shrubs trimmed and clean.

In the winter, shovel drive and walk

• In season, have flowers cultivated and blooming.

Keep that good impression going when buyers step inside.  Be critical of your property - everyone else will as they go through it.  Don't hesitate to make small, inexpensive repairs as necessary.

• Always have your home neat and tidy.

• "Thin out" your furniture - fewer items give rooms a feeling of increased size.

You might even add mirrored tiles to one wall of a small room to give a spacious look.

• Pack non-essentials.  You'll be removing some unnecessary clutter, while getting some of your packing out of the way early.

• Hold a garage sale for items you don't plan to take with you; or give them away to a charitable organization and keep records for tax deductions.

• Give special attention to kitchen and bathrooms - these rooms sell more homes than any other feature.

• Windows should be sparkling clean, walls unmarred.

• Keep your garage and basement dry and tidy.  Leaky basements are a sure hitch in any sale.

• Fix leaky faucets, loose doorknobs, stuck drawers and warped cabinet doors.

• Repair any cracks in plaster and paint.

• Keep all rooms clean, bright and neatly arranged.  Turn on lights in dark rooms and raise the shades.

• Be aware of odors - they very seriously influence buyers.  Be cautious of smells from cooking, smoke, pets or baby's room.  The aroma of coffee perking, a hot apple pie or perfume in the bedroom, however is very pleasing.