Critical Things that Allow a Home to 
Sell Quickly and for the Most Money

1. It is important to make certain that the first impression is a favorable one.
2. You'll never have more activity on the home than you will the first three to four weeks of the listing. The reason is simple: there are buyers out there who have seen everything available and for one reason or another, haven't bought. They are just waiting for something new to come on the market.
3. When that new property does hit the market, buyers and agents both will scramble to look at it. It is common knowledge that the property will usually sell for the highest price during this time. After the initial surge of interest, the only people to look at it will be those buyers new to the marketplace.
4. Make your home look and feel like a builder's model home. Everything should look like it belongs even if it means storing some things until the home is sold. You are trying to create a feeling that makes potential buyers want to move in. 
5. Don't wait to see if the house will sell first before implementing these ideas, making repairs or replacing items. Once you do decide to do something, don't do just the easy ones or just the bare minimum. 
6. The property needs to look good from the street, up the sidewalk, on the front porch, throughout the house, in the darkest closets, and even in the attic. You definitely want to give the impression of a well cared for home.
7. You want the prospective buyer to feel that this home is quality all the way through, not just on the surface.
8. You are competing with every other home that is currently for sale: new and pre-owned, your area and other areas, those listed with agents and those trying to sell themselves; even with the foreclosures in the market.

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9. Your property must appeal to owner occupants who will pay the highest price for the property because they are going to live there as their home.
10. Typical buyers put all of their savings into the down payment and closing costs and don't have anything left over to improve the home such as replacing old, worn-out things. Those buyers will have to live with that carpet until they can afford to replace it.
11. If buyers have a choice of two comparable properties similar in price, they'll choose the one in the best condition. Just as on the other hand, if two properties are similar in condition, the buyers will choose the one that is less money.
12. Stand at the street and look at the house. If all you can see are trees and shrubs, you have some yard work to do. One of the easiest things to do is trim the shrubs that are over grown. They should be lowered to a height near the bottom of the windows. If there is ivy growing on the side of the home, remove it.
13. If there are tree branches hanging low in the yard, they need to be pruned. A simple rule of thumb is to have all the limbs high enough so that you can walk under the tree.
14. Invest in a few flats of flowers such as petunia or periwinkle that will last the entire growing season. They will add color and beauty to the front of your home. Consider putting some nice looking flower pots on the porch with red geranium or some other blooming plants in them.
  15. Look at the front door and the area around it. Give it a fresh coat of paint. If the doorbell is broken, replace it. Wash the mail box. Keep the porch swept. Get an attractive mat for people to wipe their feet.
16. Air out the home. You are the last person to notice any peculiar odor in your home that may be blatantly obvious to visitors. Go on a search to find the offender. It may be a kitty litter box or a dog bed. It might even be a mildewed shower.
17. Wash all the windows in the house, inside and out. While you're at it, clean the window sills and the bottom of the window jams, and wash the blinds.
18. If it has been over a year since you've had the carpets cleaned, now is the time to do it. The bare floors should also be waxed or polished, even if they're supposed to be "no wax."
19. Put bright light bulbs in every socket made for a bulb. Buyers like "bright and cheery" so you have to keep it from looking like a dungeon. You'll also want to keep the drapes and shades open during the day, even if you're not in the habit, because it will make the property look better.
20. Clean out all of the closets, cabinets, and drawers. Get rid of things you haven't used in the past five years. Pack up every thing that you haven't used in the last year.
21. Closets should look as if they have enough room to hold additional items. You might need to box up off-season clothes to make it look that way. Get everything off the floor and don't have the shelves piled to the ceiling.
22. Even though it may be inconvenient, you will be far better off by selecting the furniture pieces that look best and putting the others in the garage, basement, or better yet, in storage. You can rent a mini-warehouse for a few dollars a month.
23. Go over the kitchen like a health inspector. Clean the oven and keep it that way, even if it means eating out more often. After cleaning the range, put new drip pans under the burners, or at least, cover the old ones with foil. Clean around the seal of the door of the dishwasher.
24. Bath tubs, showers and sinks should be freshly caulked. All the grout should be clean and in good condition. There are excellent cleaners that will do the job without tons of scrubbing. There should be no leaks in the faucet or traps.
25. Keep children's toys out of the front yard and off the sidewalks and front porch. Get the teenagers and children to understand the importance of keeping the house looking good while it is on the market. Take down the posters until the house is sold.
26. Clean the ashes out of the fireplace during the season that it isn't being used.
27. Be sure there is light in the attic so it is easy and safe for people to walk.
28. If you don't have time for a garage sale, consider donating things to charity. Make a list of all the items and their estimated value, and be sure to get a receipt. The donation is tax deductible and may be worth more to you than the time and effort you'd put into a garage sale.
29. The pool needs to be sparkling and free of leaves.

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A small investment that can make big returns:

1. Change the wallpaper in the entry, kitchen, and bathrooms if necessary.
2. Replace ugly or out of style light fixtures.
3. Completely paint the inside of the home and put all new floor coverings down. Add new window treatments.
4. Ceiling fans are attractive and they are also very practical.
5. New appliances in the kitchen can be an exciting feature that can actually make the difference in a prospect choosing your home over another.

Just before a showing:

1. When the agent arrives with the prospects, have the drapes and window shades be open to let in as much daylight as possible. If it happens to be night, be sure that all of your outdoor lights are on, especially landscape and pool lights if you have them.
2. Open all the doors between rooms to give an inviting feeling. Turn on all of the lights including the lamps. Tune the radio to some quiet, "elevator-style" music.
3. Pick up any newspapers or magazines that may be lying around. See that the counters are free of unnecessary items and that any dirty dishes are put in the dishwasher. Take out the trash if needed.
4. If you have pets, get them out of the way. Not everyone may share your love for animals. Some people may even be allergic to them.
5. The beds should be made and clothes picked up. Bathrooms should be clean and the toilet lid down.
6. When you leave the house in the morning or during the day, please leave it as if you know it is going to be shown. It's difficult sometimes and might even mean you have to get up a little earlier in order to take care of these important items. You never know when the right person is going to look at it, so you must always be ready for them.

Buyers Homework Checklist

Many people wouldn't dream of starting their days without their Palm Pilot or traditional "to-do" list. Likewise, potential home owners should never think of starting without a checklist. Here are some basic items of "homework" to address while planning to buy or build a new home:
Anticipated footage. A young couple buying their first home and planning a family should consider how much space they need. Likewise, a couple with children and grandchildren who will visit often may need one a bit bigger than just for themselves.
Preferred architectural style. Some families may want palatial homes with a golf course view or an older structure in an historic area of town. Others will enjoy a cozy bungalow on a wooded lot. What type does your family want?
Parking. If several family members live at home, and have all vehicles, consider the garage and parking situation. A family may need a double garage with an extra driveway. A circular drive, if possible, may help when playing "musical cars."
Multi-use garage. A family that participates in outdoor activities may need extra space for camping gear, ski equipment, bicycles, gardening supplies, golf carts, snowmobiles and ATVs. Extra space for boats, canoes and kayaks should be considered also. Should there be a sink for gardeners, hunters, and fisherman? A place for firewood?
Bedrooms and bathrooms. Does each family member need his or her own room? What about an office or study? Will you need a basement? And extra closet space?
Family time. If everyone congregates in the family room around the entertainment center, consider how much space will be needed to accommodate furniture. Inspect the fireplace location. If you're building, should it be a gas or wood-burning fireplace? Some home owners living in colder climates may choose to have wood stoves.
Entertaining. One family may need a large dining room whereas another would prefer a large patio and deck. If you're building and want a wet bar, decide whether it should be near the great room or the kitchen.
Popular room. Will the family eat most meals in the kitchen? The kitchen is notorious for being the magnet of family members and guests alike. If you need a lot of counter space and cabinet storage, now is the time to build extra or buy a home with plenty of each.
Other kitchen needs. Is an island needed? Sometimes counter space that's spread out will make meal preparation easier. What about a kitchen desk with phone? Should there be bookshelves for cook books?
In the yard. Will there be sports activities, a pool or hot tub? Serious gardeners may want a potting shed or table. Plan where the service area willing be; tall plants could provide a natural shield for trash cans. Will cords of firewood be stashed outside?
Multi-story or single? If a family member is in a wheelchair, a single-story home is most likely preferred. Note whether any steep slopes would have to be navigated, and whether a ramp is present or would need to be constructed.
Wasted space? In the past, many formal living rooms were seldom used as visitors and family piled into the den, or family room. Formal living rooms for many may be wasted space. consider how your family lives and were you spend most of your time.
Counters and floors. Select types that are easy to clean and don't damage easily.
Other items to contemplate are security systems, roofing, walk-in pantries and foyer style.

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Here are a few tips from the Federal Consumer Information Center to get you started:
1. Shop, compare, negotiate - there are the keys for finding the mortgage that may save you thousands of dollars.
2. Get information from several lenders. Home loans are available from commercial banks, mortgage companies, credit unions and mortgage brokers. Different lenders may quote different prices, so contact several to get the best rates.
3. Obtaining a pre-qualifying loan can help you decide what price range is feasible for you.
Know how much of a down payment you can afford and find out costs involved. Ask for the same information from each lender: down payment amount, interest rate, and monthly house payment amount.
4. Usually a down payment of at least 10 percent - and often 20 percent - of the purchase price is needed.
The lender also holds an escrow account into which the home owners pay money for tax or insurance payments. When budgeting, remember that tax increases can affect your monthly payment.
Obtain information about rates, points, fees and private mortgage insurance. Points are fees paid to the lender or broker for the loan and are often linked to the interest rate; usually the more points you pay, the lower the rate. Fees include underwriting fees, broker fees, transaction settlement and closing costs.
Review your credit report for accuracy before applying for a loan.

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