Here are some helpful hints - recommended by experienced residential specialists - to help you prepare your home to sell. This information is not all-inclusive and does not replace the expertise provided by a certified residential specialist (CRS).

Is your home ready to show? Check it out and see for yourself...

First Impressions Do Count

• Contact your local CRS for some helpful advice.
• Make sure your front entrance is clean and inviting-
• Paint your front door (if it shows signs of wear). 
  
  Decorate For a Quick Sale
  
• Replace faded wallpaper.
• Repair worn woodwork.
• Paint a neutral color over walls that look old. 
  
  Let the Sun Shine In
  
• Open draperies and curtains. Let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be.
• Turn on all lights during evening inspections.

Repair loose knobs, sticking doors and windows warped cabinet drawers, broken light switches and other minor flaws. These defects detract from the value of the home. (Remember when prospects see things that need attention. they begin to worry about what they can't see).

Organize From Top to Bottom

• Remove all unnecessary articles from your attic. basement and closets. Spacious rooms (particularly storage areas) are a great selling feature.
• Consider having a garage sale to dispose of unwanted items (optional).
• Investigate the cost to store some items (optional)
  
  Safety First
  
• Keep stairways clear and avoid a cluttered appearance.
• Don't overload wall plugs.
  
  Make Your Home Sparkle
  
• Keep your windows dean.
• Steam clean your carpets.
• Glue back any peeling wallpaper
• Empty ashtrays and throw out the trash (It's important to give a good impression of how you have maintained your home).
  
  It's a Fact: Bathrooms Help Sell Homes
  
• Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers.
• Display fresh, clean towels and make the room attractive.
• Spray a light fragrance and make the room pleasant smelling.

  Arrange Bedrooms Neatly
  

• Remove excess furniture.
• Use attractive bedspreads and freshly laundered curtains.

  Don't Cause Controversy
  

• Remove any signs or posters that might be controversial or offensive to your prospects.

So your house is ready to sell. Great! Here are some tried and true "rules" that will help you show your home easily and effectively;

1. Rule #1: Three's a Crowd
   

   Try not to be present during inspections. The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house. Also, your residential specialist knows the buyer's requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home when you don't tag along.

2. Rule #2 Keep the Music Down
   

   Pipe in classical or soft rock music, but keep the volume down low so the sales associate and buyer can talk freely without any disturbances.

3. Rule #3 No Pets Allowed
   

   Keep cats, dogs, litter boxes and feeding dishes out of the way - preferably out of the house.

4. Rule # 4: Create a Homey Atmosphere
   

   Bake cookies or bread, or place cornmeal in a pie plate in a warm oven on the day of the showing. The aroma will make the potential buyer feel welcomed.

5. Rule #5: No Apologies
   

   If you are present at the showing, never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let the residential specialist answer any objections - it's his/her job.

6. Rule #6: Have Records Available.
   

   Have copies of your air-conditioning, heating and water bills for the past 12 months available. Also be ready to show repair bills (e.g. showing when the new roof was put on and when a new water heater was installed).

7. Rule #7: Silence Is Golden.
   

   Let your residential specialist discuss price, terms, possession and other factors with the buyers. Your residential specialist is qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.

8. Rule #8. A Little Money Goes a Long Way
   

   Your cooperation in cosmetic repairs will increase everyone's interest level and enthusiasm and you'll help close the sale more quickly.

   Information courtesy of Residential Sales Council