PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR SALE A potential buyer will make a decision within 3 minutes of entering your home as to whether they want to explore further or remove your home from consideration. Poor lighting, clutter, unpleasant odors, seemingly poor maintenance..can instantly turn a buyer away from your property. Often times a small investment in time, money and effort will put your home in its best light. You have lived in your home and believe that any needed improvements might only cost a minimal amount and won't buyers want to do their own thing anyway? Your home is an unknown to a potential buyer. Appearances of poor maintenance or tiredness usually cause a buyer to think that a home needs extensive work and investment. So..just eliminate as many potential and perceived objections as you can before putting your home on the market. Pay attention to detail now because first impressions count with buyers. EXTERIOR * Maintain sidewalks, driveway, porches and steps free of snow during the winter * Maintain lawns and gardens during the good weather months, plant flowers and keep them watered. Impatients are always a good choice, colorful and inexpensive. * Neaten outside storage areas * Place bright lights in exterior fixtures * Make sure the doorbell works INTERIOR * A few thousand dollars investment in paint and carpet if needed will more tha pay for itself. Sand and re-paint seriously chipped woodwork * Clean & polish light fixtures. Basement to attic should be well lit * Polish hardwood floors and clean carpets * Straighten out closets and de-clutter closet floors. The biggest closet will look small to a prospective purchaser if it is chock full * Bathrooms and kitchens should be squeaky clean. Don't forget inside the stove & fridge. Replace the caulk, if needed, around tubs, sinks, counters. Counters should be free of clutter * Professionally clean drapes and blinds if needed * Wash windows if needed * Repair any leaky faucets * Have furnace cleaned and checked by a professional, tape receipt to the furnace * Neaten and sweep the basement and the attic WHEN YOUR HOME IS BEING SHOWN * Have drapes open and all lights on * Light the fireplace * Take a walk. At Holcberg Ltd., showings of your home will always be accompanied by a Holcberg Associate whether to a prospective buyer or to another broker and their client. We neither expect, nor think it a good idea, for a seller to show their own home If you have any questions or desire further information please call 716 884-1144 or email info@holcberg.com Holcberg Ltd. Real Estate Brokerage, 716-884-1144 www.holcberg.com