1. Remove all papers, magnets, clutter from the refrigerator.

2. Clean out every room to appear as clutter free, open & spacey, as possible. A bunch of junk piled in one bedroom can kill a sale. Clean out the garage! Pressure wash the floor of the garage, and your sidewalks!

3. Place a pretty wreath on the front door AFTER you have cleaned and/or put a coat of "varnish" on its weather-beaten exterior! Make sure all bugs, cobwebs, etc are cleaned away from the front door area. Put a blooming potted plant by the door. The buyers have a long time to stand there and Look, while their realtor opens the door. How about the door bell; does it work? If not, replace or repair it immediately.

4. Clean up the yard! Bag all leaves, dead limbs, etc. How does your mailbox look? If it's all but falling down, repair or replace it immediately.
5. If you have rotted wood anywhere around the exterior, including the garage, it must be replaced before you try to market your home.

6. How does your house smell? Put in "liquid fragrance plug-ins" near the front door entrance and at the top of the stairs. Pet odors are very noticeable, especially to buyers who have no pets, but even worse is the smell of cigarettes! Nobody wants to live in a place that smells like a bar!
If nicotine has stained the walls, the window coverings, etc., you probably need to paint the entire house and replace the carpet before you can get it sold!

7. How does the carpet look? Is it stained? Have it cleaned professionally , if you do not intend to replace it.

8. Change your air filters and dust your "ceiling fan" blades. If dirt is clogged in these areas, it is a definite "turn off" to a buyer. They will assume the rest of the house is also dirty.

9. Change all batteries on smoke alarms so they are not beeping. Make sure GFI's are installed in the proper areas. Be sure and have working lights in all your ceiling fan light kits. No burned out light bulbs anywhere, please. Also be sure when they flip the light switch, the ceiling fan and/or light comes on. Remember, dark rooms are not appealing so make your home light & bright!

10. Clean those windows! Re-calk old or discolored caulk in your bathrooms! Fix any toilets that are running.

11. Make sure all wall outlets have switch plates! Make sure the attic ladder and access door closes properly.

12. Are you now ready to get your home ON THE MARKET?

Call Mary Ann Lipseyimmediately! 281-723-8200
or e-mail me today, maryannlipsey@ymail.com