If you want buyers to be interested in your home, you need to show it in its best light. A good first impression can influence a buyer into making an offer; it influences a buyer emotionally and visually. In addition, what the buyer first sees is what they think of when they consider the asking price.

A bad first impression weighs in as deeply. Don't show your property until it's all fixed up. You do not want to give buyers the chance to use the negative first impression they have as means of negotiation.

Ask around for the opinions others have of your home. Real estate agents who see houses everyday can give solid advice on what needs to be done. Consider what architects or landscape designers have to say. What you need are objective opinions, and it's sometimes hard to separate the personal and emotional ties you have for the home from the property itself.

Typically, there are some general fix ups that need to be done both outside and on the inside. As a seller, you should consider the following:

*Landscaping - Has the front yard been maintained? Are areas of the house visible to the street in good condition? Does the home have enough "curb appeal" to make Buyers want to see the inside? Remember, the outside of your home is the first thing a Buyer sees and considers when deciding whether or not it is worth the time and effort to see the inside. In this changing market, this aspect is more important than ever before because of the large number of competing homes. Your home must shine amongst the competition!

*Cleaning or Redoing the driveway - Is your driveway cluttered with toys, tools, trash etc.? Purchase a small storage shed if you need to a spot to place such items. This also adds another selling feature to your home.

*Painting - Does both the exterior and the interior look like they have been well taken care of? Are the paint colors neutral and attractive to all kinds of people with different tastes and styles? You may love your electric-blue dining room walls, but chances are most buyers won't.

*Carpeting - Does the carpet have stains? Or does the carpet look old and dirty?Is the carpet outdated and mismatched throughout the house? Sometimes, steam cleaning the carpet can help. Other times, replacement is needed. Contact flooring stores who often have carpet remnants in neutral colors that are a fraction of the price to have installed than traditional full-price carpeting. A single, neutral color scheme appeals to more Buyers than different carpet coloring in each room.

*Kitchens and Baths-Have then been updated recently? Are they clean and clutter-free? Consider painting outdated cabinets and changing the hardware. New styles of laminate countertops are inexpensive and easy to install and have the look of solid-stone countertops. All in one vanities for bathrooms are very inexpensive and super-easy to install; they can change the entire look and feel of a bathroom!

*Room Size-Do you have too much furniture in one room OR are you using a room in a different way than originally intended/designed?

Remember, Buyers need to envision their own belongings within your home. Help them do this by limiting the amount of clutter, old pictures, and personal items throughout the home. Consider removing one piece of furniture from each room in order to give the appearance of more square feet. Keep kitchen counters free of all appliances and nick-knacks. Keep bathrooms spotless and consider purchasing inexpensive items like new fixtures or a new shower curtain to allow the bathroom to shine.

All of these suggestions will help your home sell FASTER and for MORE money! Most are inexpensive and relatively easy to do on your own. Assist2Sell can help you stage your home for a fast and effective sale--it is all part of our "Full Service with Savings" motto!