• Pick a realtor you feel you can work well with.

• Tidy up – as the saying goes, “you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression”.

• De-clutter and pack it up – the house will show better!  Packing and neatly stacking boxes in one room will show a readiness to move.  Cluttered rooms show small.

• Brighten up!  Open blinds, turn on lights/lamps, replace burned out light bulbs, etc.  Homes that appear gloomy or drab due to poor lighting don’t show well at all.

• If they can smell it, I can’t sell it!  Pet odors or other very bad odors are offensive.  Living in the home, you may not notice the smell, but others will.

• Clean that yard up!  Remember, this is the first thing people see, and it sets the tone for everything else that takes place from that moment on.

• Leave your home during showings.  You hired a realtor to help you, let them do their job.  It is awkward for buyers to take a good look with you in the house.

• Ask your realtor for advise and listen to their opinion.

• I am always asked “when is a good time to sell my home?”  The answer is easy – “Now!”  As soon as it is ready to show, put it on the market.

Whether buying or selling, these five principles apply.

1. Location of property

2. Price

3. Condition

4. Motivation of Seller

5. Motivation of Buyer