On the market? First Impressions are a must!

I live in a city neighborhood where homes do not languish on the market. But one home is and I can give you some ideas why.

The home has a For Sale sign out front that is leaning over. That hints to me that it has market fatigue- something must be wrong with it. Next, there is a plastic storage closet near the front door (not a good visual). That tells me there is not enough storage in the home or there is not much of a yard in back for things. And one day, driving by I got a glimpse of the entry as the front door was wide open. The entry has a huge book shelf overstuffed with books. What a visual disaster!

Oh, the power of first impressions...

The sale of your home will most likely be one of the largest transactions of your life. Dig in and commit to getting it on the market with its best foot forward.

Go on the market with a bang & a budget

Getting your house dialed in to sell can be an overwhelming task. Keep in mind that you'll need to pack up to move anyway so look at it as a head start. It all begins with you. What you put into it is what you will get out of it. This is one sale that is worth your time to get it right.

1. Street Appeal: I can always tell which home has been well cared for by simply looking at the yard. Clean it up! Your first impression is huge.

2. Lighten up your personal belongings. Start packing room by room.

3. The kitchen should be clear of any counter microwaves, toasters, and any other appliance that takes up room. (I seldom mind having a coffee maker on the counter.) We advise our clients to clear out and pack up a cupboard for appliances storage.

4.Clean, clean, clean. Wipe down walls, swith plates, moulding, clean windows inside & out, shampoo carpets and upholstery. This is also a sure sign of how well a home has been cared for.

5. Double check: Have a creative and forthright friend walk through the home pointing out what they see needs to be done.

6. Freshen up spaces with new & colorful throw pillows, shower curtain & towels. Simple and inexpensive changes that can add a nice touch. Perhaps a large nice looking mirror added to the dining room to create drama and dimension.

You will be off to a great start with this simple checklist and a step ahead of many homes on the market. It's a process with a big payoff.