You have a For Sale sign in your yard. Now what??? If you selected a professional Realtor they most likely gave you some good tips. If they didn't, I would like to share a few ideas with you. Even the best of homes may not sell quickly without the owner helping to create a good "first" impression, and, ultimately a "lasting" impression.

1. CURB APPEAL. The next time you arrive home. Stop at the curb with a pad & pencil, make notes of things you need to do to tidy up the yard, shrubs, trim dead limbs from trees, edge the curbs, paint trim, wash winter streaked storm doors and windows. Paint that rusty mail box. The dirtiest one inch of a house is usually the doorbell button, please wash it. Clean out the gutters, patch leaks and paint to match.

2. UNCLUTTER. Pack up, put away the extras such as: collections of all sorts, family pictures, extra toys and games, etc. Box up stuff, store in the garage or rent storage.

3. ROOM APPEAL. Walk into each room with that same pad & pencil. What about the ceilings - give a fresh coat of ceiling white. Same for the walls, take down excess wall hangings, fill and sand nail holes and stress cracks, paint a neutral color. Have carpets cleaned. Eliminate pet odors, cooking smells and smoking odors. Your prospective Buyer may have allergies and we don't want them to leave your house gasping for air. Some of the little items that make a big difference is dirty light fixtures, squeaky hinges, drippy facets, door knobs and locks that don't work, polish the faucets.

4. KITCHENS AND BATHS. Clear off extra items from the counter tops. Have you ever visited a model home? What do they have on their counters? A silk plant or two and that is about all. Take the kids toys out of the bath tub. Polish that tub and sink, wash the shower curtain or door. Do a scented candle or plug-in air freshener. Clean and/or replace dirty or stained grout. Please put away prescription drugs.

In general, make your house light and airy and smelling clean. Accent the positives of the house. Be gone for showings and allow showings even when it may not be convenient for you. There are lots of houses for sale but with your assistance and your chosen Realtor the salability will be greatly increased.

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Plaza Real Estate, Inc.
12221 E. Central • Wichita, KS 67206
(316) 687-2220
(316) 686-7121 • (316) 687-4084 - Fax

1-800-701-SOLD

e-mail: Barbara@BarbaraBarr.com

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Last modified: 10/20/00