Getting ready to show

Preparing to sell your home can be a daunting task. The best way to begin is to step back and view your home from a buyer’s perspective. Then, follow these tips to give your house that model-home appeal.

Apply a fresh coat of paint inside and out.
Rent a storage unit and free up space in your home and garage in order to convey the feeling of more square footage.
Get rid of unnecessary clutter. Remove stacks of mail, newspapers, knickknacks, personal medications, photographs, unnecessary appliances and other potentially distracting paraphernalia.
Fix any leaky faucets or running toilets.
Make sure hinges and knobs are tightened and doors close properly.
Add visually appealing accents such as potted plants, bowls of fruit and fresh flowers.
Create a pleasant aroma in the home, especially if you have pets. Light a candle an hour before the buyer arrives or bake fresh cookies in your oven.
Make a good first impression by improving your entryway: Replace porch lights, polish brass handles and replace worn doormats.
Be sure the front flower beds are weeded and the grass is trimmed. Clear walkways and paths, and place some potted flowers by the front door.
Improve your home's "flow" by creating open walkways and exposing as much floor as possible.
Make sure the house’s address numbers are easily visible.
Straighten sagging gutters and replace warped roofing shingles.