Getting Your Home Ready for Sale

Preparing Your Home for Market

Before You Dive In Take a Fresh Look

De-Cluter

Making Scents

Appealing to the Masses

A Bright Idea

Fix it or Forget it

Renova�ons

Crea�ng Beter Curb Appeal

Handling Pets

Section 2 - Pricing Your Home for Sale

Section 3 - Checklists

Declutering Tips

Pre-Market Prepara�on

Tips for the Home Photo Shoot

Sample Home Inspector Checklist

Your Moving Checklist

Final Note Regarding Financing

Section 4 – Our Contact Information

1. BEFORE YOU DIVE IN

For most people, listing their house for sale isn’t a spur of the moment thing. People often think about selling their house for years before ever actually selling it.

Yet, given how much time and thought people tend to give it, many people don’t do enough to pre-pare their house for sale (or prepare themselves for what’s to come). They just get to a point where they decide it’s time to sell and they pop a sign in the yard.

This often leads to people not selling their house for as much, as quickly, or as smoothly as it could have. Or at all.

On the other hand, there are people who do too much and spend way more time and money than they should.

They may very well do things that help their house sell as quickly as possible and for as much as possible, but they don’t net as much as they could have because they put more money into it than they can recoup from the sale.

It’s a fine line. You don’t want to do too little or too much...

Which is why we've created this booklet - to help you prepare for the sale of your house with just the right amount.

The more time you have, the more leisurely and thorough you can be. At the same time, don’t worry if you’re in a rush.

Much of what you’ll read here can be done in a pinch.

Whether you have a few years, a few weeks, or a few days before you put your house on the market, this booklet will help you put your best foot forward once you decide to enter your property in to the home selling competition.

We have an abundance of contractors to share with you as well as landscapers and home designers.

2. TAKE A FRESH LOOK

The first thing you should do doesn’t require much work, just leave your house.

Go for a ride, go for a walk, run some errands, or just go to work... and then return to your house with the objective to look at it with the eyes of a buyer.

Look at your house objectively. Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and try to think and feel how they would about your house when they see it for the first time.

As you head back home, pay attention to your curb appeal.

• How does the landscaping look?

• How about the exterior?

• Is the sidewalk in good shape?

• Beyond that, was your house visually appealing?

• Is the front door striking or just blah? Or worse, is it in bad shape?

• Is your porch ceiling filled with spider webs and do the light fixtures show rust?

• Take notes as these will become your "to-do" list.

Walk inside…go slowly.

Stop. Look around. Buyers won’t just rush in; they’ll pause for a moment or two. What do they see in those first moments?

Walk aroundtheinside - does it flow?

If you didn’t know the house, which direction do you think you would walk as the buyer? Go that way. Look through each room with fresh eyes. Make sure you open up closet doors because buyers certainly will.

If you have a garage, check that out too. Make sure you take a peek around the garage and any utility rooms.

Walk aroundtheoutside.Buyers won’t just see the exterior from the front. Those that are interested, will want to take a walk around the entire house and property. So make sure you head outside.

Now be honest: How’d it look? Would you buy your house? Would you be willing to pay top dollar?

Would you be worried that if you don’t hurry and make an offer someone else will come along and scoop up your dream house right out from under you?

If you’re being honest, there’s probably at least a few things you made note of that you should do something about.

But before you go knocking things off that list, let’s take a look at a few of the most common things homeowners might overlook.

3 DECLUTTER

The impression that most people have (when viewing homes) is that others live in pristine houses and have everything "just right" all the time. That is simply not the case.

If you were to randomly pick any number of your neighbors homes, you'd find things could be more orderly, and that they have a "lived-in" look every day of the week. Each with a certain amount of clutter, disorder, unmade beds, and laundry piling up.

We’re not talking “hoarder” level clutter, but most people have a certain level of clutter they live with. In fact, the buyer and future owner of your house will probably live that way, too. It's not a unique attribute.

If you are going to sell your home, the easiest (and cheapest) place to start getting it ready for market is to go from room to room and simply get rid of excess clutter, anything you don't want, need or use on a day-to-day basis

This is the best time in life to rid yourself of stuff you never even realized you still owned. Then start packing up whatever stuff you can do without till you make your final move.

You can reunite with all your stuff once your house is sold. This is just temporary.

4.Does it Make Scents?

Does your house stink?

Whether it does or not, it’s unlikely that anyone would actually say yes. We get used to how our house smells, so it’s hard for most people to honestly answer that question.

The easiest way to determine if you need to address an odor is to ask someone who doesn’t live there. Try not to ask someone who visits your house regularly.

Even when people are aware of an odor they should deal with, they often think that masking it with candles, potpourri, or air fresheners is a good solution.

It isn’t.

Camouflaging a smell can trigger curiosity from buyers about an odor you might be trying to hide.

The most effective thing to do is to eliminate the source of the smell (if possible) prior to putting the house on the market.

Obviously this isn’t easy to do with pets or teenagers, but if and when possible, get rid of the source.

The most common smells homeowners are often unaware of are:

• Pet odors

• Pungent or distinct food odors

• Cigarette or cigar smoke

• Athletic shoes

You should also give your house a thorough cleaning. This is probably a good idea even if there’s no distinct smell. If you’re a good cleaner, this involves just a little time and elbow grease.

If not, this is a great reason to splurge and hire a cleaning crew to come in and freshen up.

If that doesn’t work, sometimes people have to replace carpeting or repaint in order to eliminate intense odors.

Hopefully you won’t have to go to that extreme. But if you do, it’s worth the money because if they can smell it, you can't sell it, at least not for as much or as quickly as you might like to.

5. TO EACH THEIR OWN

As proud as you might be about what makes your house your home, make it as easy as possible for a home buyer to feel like it could be their home.

Most people have heard that you should “de-personalize” your house when you’re selling it.

Your house will be on the Internet, and keeping your family safe, starts here. This means removing, family photos. It also means removing your children's names from their bedroom walls as mentioned earlier.

You also don't want people having more information than they need about your family. Remove your degrees, trophy's, pet names, political and religious items for picture day. The world doesn't need to know.

Also plan on placing your valuables (like jewelry), and drugs out of sight.

You might be super proud of your hunting skills, but displaying your taxidermy trophies on the wall might be offputting to some buyers. Or you may just have some questionable artwork that could be distracting - put it away.

The larger home buying market will need to be able to come in and focus on how their own furniture and how their belongings will look. Simplifying yours will help them visualize their things.

Don't lose showings due to a buyer's inability to get past "your stuff".

6. A BRIGHT IDEA

Here’s another bright idea! Make sure all of your light bulbs are working, and make sure they cast an appropriate amount of light upon each room.

Dark rooms simply don’t show well.

Sometimes it isn’t a matter of having burnt light bulbs, sometimes it’s a matter of having the wrong bulbs.

Some rooms deserve a crisp, clean, bright light - like in a kitchen. Some are better off with softer, warmer lighting - for instance, a family room. So make sure to give some thought to how the lighting in the room makes you feel. Is it appropriate? If not, try to find the perfect bulbs for the room.

Also, make sure that when your house is on the market, the lights are easy to turn on for the agent showing the house. If a light switch that controls certain lighting isn’t easy to find, make sure that you leave it on before a showing or leave a note letting people know where the switch is.

In fact, if you know there’s going to be a showing, it’s not a bad idea for you to turn on the lights before the showing. It’s simple enough to just ask that the agent turn off the lights once they finish showing the house. That way they can just walk in and get the full effect without having to look for the light switches.

Lastly, if an agent is showing your home in the early evening hours, make sure your front and back porch lights are on, so they can find the keys, see the house and get a look at your yard. It's difficult to show a home at night, so do what you can to enhance it for the showing agents and their prospective home buyer.

7.FIX IT OR FORGET IT?

It’s easy to learn how to live with certain little issues around the house. Many people don’t even view certain things as an issue until they’re preparing their home for sale.

Like that gurgling noise that comes from the sink, for example. It might have bothered you at first, but then it just faded into the background once it became familiar. Or the drippy faucet. It’s not like it doesn’t work, it just likes to not stop working entirely when you turn it off. No big deal. As a homeowner, things like that aren’t always bothersome enough to justify hiring someone or fixing it yourself.

It doesn’t just have to be plumbing, of course. It could be the chipping paint on the ceiling-which happens to be caused by a small leak in the roof when it rains hard. Or a loose cabinet door that doesn’t close quite right.

Whatever it is, there’s probably something around your house that could stand to be fixed.

But here’s the question: Should you fix these little issues before putting your house on the market? The popular and most standard answer in the real estate industry is, “Yes.” And let’s just say that it can’t hurt to fix the little issues around the house.

When buyers see smaller issues around the house, they might also wonder about what else hasn't been taken care of.

On the other hand, you may be able to ignore the minor fixes and just see if the buyer brings them up during home inspection requests. It may be less costly and easier to negotiate a credit or agree to repair something only when a buyer actually asks for it to be repaired.

The same goes for more serious issues like an HVAC system that’s not working properly. You should have it serviced to see what's going on.

It is better to take care of things when you have total control. Once a buyer is under contract, they may want more done that is necessary - or they may walk away from the contract.

There’s no absolute answer to this. So the best thing to do is make a list We can talk you through the best and worst case scenarios and then you can make an educated decision from there.

You can also hire a home inspector to perform a prelisting home inspection so you (and the buyer) won’t get caught off guard by something you didn't know.

8. RESERVATION ABOUT RENOVATIONS

As Realtors, we get asked a lot of questions about renovations and, more specifically, whether they’ll increase a home’s value (or if they’re even necessary to do before selling).

Ask away!!! Many people don’t ask first and then end up regretting the work they did. With that in mind, just call us. As long-time Realtors we have an incredible list of resources, along with insight on how to get a job done for a good price, and we can let you know whether it will be a job worth doing.

A home renovation project might increase your home's value, but there’s a good chance it won’t increase it enough to justify the time and cost of having done it. Again, just give us a call and we can help you through its pros and cons.

That’s not to say that it never makes sense to do a renovation project before selling. Sometimes doing a renovation can make the difference between getting a house sold versus sitting on the market forever or simply not selling.

Tip: Make sure you keep the permits for any work you have completed on your house.

As you are sorting through things, also save any warranties, receipts, paint colors, and the names of the contractors you have hired, so you can hand those off to the next owner.

Renovations like a new kitchen or bathroom are often cited as being a great return on investment. They can be. But they might not be for you and your particular house and situation. So make sure to think twice before doing any major renovation to your house. Sometimes, it may be more worthwhile just to sell your current home, and replace it with a home that offers you a better fit.

9. ENTHUSIASM FOR YOUR CURB

Abuyer’senthusiasmforyour house startsatthecurb.

First impressions count — on dates, job interviews AND when you’re selling property. If you want to be appealing to buyers, you have to make sure your house has “curb appeal.”

Curb appeal isn’t just about the outside of your house looking attractive, it’s about everything that leads up to it — your landscaping, walkways, toys and hoses strewn about, driveway, decks, patios, fencing basically anything you can see from the curb.

It’s typically the first image they see when they’re searching for houses online. The last thing you want is a buyer rejecting you due to their first impression.

Here are some things you should consider:

• Does the roof look good? Or does it need to be cleaned or even replaced?

• Are the gutters clean?

• Are the windows clean?

• Does the exterior need power-washing, a paint job, or new siding?

• Is the lawn well kept? Are there bare spots?

• Are shrubs and trees trimmed?

• Are flower beds weeded?

• Are toys, water hoses, and trash cans out of sight?

• Are the walkways, driveway, steps, patios and decks clean and in good shape?

As with interior repairs and renovations, you shouldn’t go overboard to enhance the curb appeal. There’s a fine line you don’t want to cross.

Give us a call and we can discuss what items you should and shouldn’t do to spruce up the outside of your house prior to hitting the market.

10.PREPPING WITH PETS

If you don’t have any pets, you can skip this section. But if you do have pets, this section is for you!

Let’s just get down to it, moving can be stressful for both you and your pet. Strangers in and out of your home is not something that they are used to, so plan ahead for their well being as well as for those viewing your home

If you own any pets, consider their personality.

Sometimes it will work just to take them out for a walk, and other times you may want to ask a friend to help you out. If they are accustomed to some type of pet daycare, that would work, too.

You will have a Realtor with prospective buyers entering your home, and for their buyers, a barking dog may not be dangerous, but it could distract them from taking a good look at your home.

Most homeowners require advance notice when showing their home, so you will still have time to plan. The amount of advance notice you need, is totally up to you.

Another way to handle this, is to go car riding with your pet, or have a neighbor on the ready to come over and remove your pet when you're not able to do so.

Secondly, make sure to disclose whether there have been cats or dogs living in the house, as some buyers may be highly allergic and therefore unable to see it.

The Numbers

WHAT'S THETHE RIGHT PRICEFOR YOUR HOME?

So, how much do you think your house will sell for? Most people have a number in their head. Some people just pluck it out of thin air. Others look online at Zillow and use the Zestimate as their guide. Still, others take how much they owe, add the amount of money they’ve put into the house in upgrades, then add how much commissions will be, and then add how much they want or need to be able to buy their next house.

If you really want an accurate understanding of what your home value is, get a thorough market analysis from a local real estate agent. Someone from our team can provide you with accurate pricing, and what to expect before, during and after your home closes as well as an estimate on how long it will take to get a contract on your home. That could be days, or it could be months depending on the overall market, the condition of your property, and how much competition you have from other homes currently listed for sale.

When we conduct our free market analysis, we'll come to your home, look at the best comps, crunch the numbers and put together a breakdown of what you can expect to walk away with ...your net sheet.

Our first visit is usually well before a home owner is ready for market. Part of our services, include a personalized market analysis; a one on one visit with one of our home stagers; a professional drawn floor plan and your home measured for accuracy; professional photography and drone videos. That's our most basic set up.

If you have interest in getting started, just give us a call. We can answer any questions you might have

You’re better off pricing your house accurately from day one. This doesn’t mean you’re “giving your house away” or are “losing money.”

It means you will compete with like-kind homes for sale, and if yours outshines your competition, then you'll get competitive bids which will drive your price up.

THE MARKET... Crunching the Numbers

We get our clients top dollar by implementing strategies that decrease their time on the market while protecting their equity. We've been doing this before, during and after Covid. Top dollar is nothing new here. We can do the same for you! Highlighted Examples Below:

Our home stagers offer advice on cost-effective staging techniques which are captured by our photographers. Our professional marketing captures the multitude of buyers that might have interest and in turn drives drives up the price.

We provide our clients with an honest in-depth review of pricing strategies available to you. We go one step further by drilling down to guide you on what today's buyers are willing to pay for your home like yours.

Neighborhoods that offer every size and price, need in-depth research so you can confidently place it in a position to get sold, rather than linger on the market.

Who's Buying What and for How Much?

We will look at similar properties that fall into the following categories:

• Recently Sold within your neighborhood AND within a 3 mile radius of your home.

• Currently For Sale Properties are the ones you are competing with to win the buyer.

• Pricing Over Market Value Creates a LOSS of Time as well as missing the attention of the most Ready, Willing and Able Buyers currently out looking for their next home.

• Pricing TOO LOW Creates an influx of buyers, and a LOSS of YOUR EQUITY

• Fair Market Value produces a solid flow of Ready, Willing and Able Buyers, which allows for the fastest sale, the possibility of a bidding war, and the greatest gain of equity from your home.

Pricing Your Home Correctly - From the Start

 Increased Showing Appointments to Ready Willing and Able Buyers.

 Better Response from Market correctly, your home will draw buyers within it's price range.

 Higher Offers - When a property is priced right, buyers bid, rather than risk losing it..

 Priced right, the excitement of the market produces a higher price in less time,and you will net more.

1.Fair market value is driven by what buyers will pay for perceived worth.

2.Seller hopes a higher initial price will draw a higher offer.

3.Market interest is highest for new listings and wanes after two to four weeks.

4.As listings become "stale," market psychology reduces the salable price.

5.Price reductions are necessary to attract buyers back to the "stale" listing.

6.The actual list price corresponds with the current salable price.

7.As counterintuitive as it seems, properties initially priced above fair market value tend to sell for less than they could have if their original prices had looked more attractive to buyers.

TIMING

Timing is extremely important in the real estate market. A property attracts the most activity from the real estate community and potential buyers when it is first listed. It has the greatest potential to sell when it is new on the market. 12345678

LINE UP YOUR HOME TEAM

While our booklet provides you with relevant advice, please keep in mind that each property is unique and the market conditions vary from area to area and season to season. It’s easy to do more preparation than you need to — or less than you should.

It’s a good idea to actually meet with a Realtor before you start prepping your house for sale. As Realtors, we can provide you with lots of insight and solutions to getting your home sold.

We are paid when your home is sold. Our services include an entire support team that dedicates their efforts to getting your home sold. As the Realtor, we work as your point person throughout the process

1. Give us a call. This will help us understand your motivation, time frame, financial expectations and how we can work effectively for you and yours.

2. The sooner the call, the less stress you will carry moving forward with the process. We will provide you with everything you need to get your home sold in the time frame you want it sold, for the price you need, and with confidence that you have hired a team that is fully on your side.

3. Once we settle on a plan of action, we're able to start lining up the various members of our team that can help take your home from pre-market, into the market and ultimately sold. This includes our home stagers, photographers, measurement company, marketing and advertising plus our transaction management team. We can “prime” the market by talking up your house to other agents and potential buyers before your house even hits the market.

A Note of Caution:

Too often, homeowners do whatever prepping they’re going to do and then call an agent. They call an agent - even new and unqualified agents ...not realizing we are not all the same.

So, before you do any of the preparations recommended in this booklet, make sure you’ve lined up the agent you’ll be listing your house with so he or she can be involved with your entire process.

And, to see the difference in agents, please make sure to give us a call. We take pride in our services and want our clients to receive the best outcome possible, whether buying, selling or doing both. What's in your best interest, is our interest.

1

The Short Version

3 Complete the Stager's Recommendations

6.

Consultation on your objectives, timing, pricing, net return, showing and moving.

4. Photo Shoot, House Measurements, Floor Plan Created, Disclosures Completed

Congratulations! Within 72 hours of your photoshoot, your home will be ready to promote to all of our syndicated partners & major home search sites.

5. Sign, Lockbox, Call Center direction in place.

2. Staging Consultation Provided or Virtual Staging (for vacant properties)

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Open blinds or curtains to let the light in

SHOW IT"S CO/tPLLFot

Clean your vents and baseboards

Power wash outdoor surfaces

Check lightbulbs and replace as needed

Touch up any scuffs on the walls

Vacuum, mop, or sweep floors Declutter throughout

Wash the windows (inside and out)

Tidy up the landscaping

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Fix anything that's broken

Organize countertops, cabinets, and closets

Freshen up your entry

Give every room a clear purpose

Take down personal photos or items

Sweep patios, decks, and walkways

I I SOLD When it comes to listing your house, you want it to look its best inside and out. Let's connect to make sure it shows well and catches a.buyer's eye.

De-Cluttering Tip Sheet

You are moving. The less you have in your home, the easier it is to tidy up before showing a and it helps buyers see how big your space really is.

Take on One Room at a Time... the key to decluttering is to throw or give away what you don't need and organize your remaining items in containers.

Sort through your stuff and list it as one of these three decisions:

1.It's going with you: Pack & Move

2.It should be thrown or donated: Get Rid of It

3.You need it to live: Leave it Alone (for now)

Depersonalize - Your Home will be on the Internet

1.Remove personal photos, children names on the wall

2.Remove sports, business and personal awards, political and religious items

3.Daily use items can be tucked away during showings

Closets, Cabinets and Drawers:

1.Pack up out-of-season items

2.Get rid of never-used shoes

3.Throw out/Donate never-used items in Kitchen and Bathroom cabinets.

4. Take note of the additional time you will need to remove the excess clutter from your small spaces (like bathroom & kitchen drawers) as these take the longest to sort through.

Final Tips

1. Organize and label what is getting moved so you and your movers will know where it goes in your new house.

2. Do not place a pod in your driveway, while you are getting ready for market or before the photo shoot.

3. If needed, pressure wash the garage floor, driveway, sidewalk, deck and patioremoving stains, debris and spiderwebs.

Home Inspectors - A General Checklist

General

• Make sure all utilities are on

• Access is clear (and unlocked) to the electrical panel, crawl and attic space.

• Make sure there is access to see the garage walls - in case your boxes are in there.

• Make sure gas fireplaces are set to light up.

• Make sure to change your HVAC filters.

• Secure or remove pets.

Exterior

• Make sure water drains away from your house with downspouts and splash blocks under gutters.

• Fix any loose shingles or nail pops

• Clean out gutters and downspouts

• Check wood trim joints for softness and repair.

• Check steps for loose bricks or wood, repair as needed.

• Check handrails for looseness.

• Check deck for weathered wood and popped up nails.

• Check for fallen insulation or wood debris under the deck and crawl space

• Check hose faucets for leaks and loose fittings.

Garage

• Check automatic reverse on garage doors

• Check garage foundation for termite (mud) tubes on the wall.

• Check for damaged sheet-rock adjoining the living space to ensure proper fire rating.

Interior

• Check windows for opening, closing and locking.

• Check windows to ensure they stay up on their own.

• Check windows for broken seals, cracks

• Check all doors for rubbing, sticking when opening and closing.

• Check walls and doors for holes from the door handle or door stop.

• Check ceiling fans on all three speeds for wobbling.

• Check and replace all burned out light bulbs

• Check carpet for levelness - carpets may need stretching

• Check floors for safety issues

Kitchens and Bathrooms

• Fill all sink basins. Drain and check for leaks.

• Check disposal and run dishwasher.

• Check cabinets for rubbing and secured to open and close properly.

• Check that all burners and stove elements work as intended.

• Check the counters and back splash for any needed caulking.

• Check for loose tiles, cracked tiles, and missing grout.

• Check the toilet for cracks, loose/rocking toilets in need of new wax rings.

• Check supply lines, toilet shut-offs, to ensure they flush properly

• Check for faucets to ensure proper hot and cold plumbing installation.

• Check all faucets for water pressure, including showers.

• Check laundry connection for leaks.

• Check water heater for leaks & corrosion.

• Check for tripped, missing and unmarked breakers.

• Check GFCI's & AFCI's to ensure they work.

Your Moving Check List

Six Weeks Prior To Moving:

1. Room by Room, Make an inventory of everything to be moved.

2. Collect everything not to be moved for a garage sale or charitable donation.

3. Contact the charity for date/time of pickup. Save receipts for tax records.

4. Select mover, arrange for exact form of payment at destination (cash, check). Get cartons and packing materials to start packing NOW, unless you have packing services.

5. Contact insurance agent to transfer/cancel insurance coverage Do Not Cancel your home insurance policy until after the home is closed.

6. If your employer is involved in your move, check with them to find out what moving expenses they will pay. They will need our contact information to place in their file.

Four Weeks Prior to Moving:

1. Notify all magazines of change of address – directly with the magazine - not USPS. The USPS does not forward magazines.

2. Fill out a change of address form on line at http://www.usps.com/

3. Check with veterinarian for pet records and immunizations.

4. Contact utility companies for refunds of deposit, set turn-off date, again, schedule this for a few days after the closing…just in case!

5. Set up utility turn-on date. We will provide you with all the contact numbers. Typically, the companies will require a minimum of 48 hours for scheduling you. Call accordingly.

6. Dry clean clothes to be moved, pack in protective wrappers.

7. Make a list with stragglers. Collect everything you have loaned out and return everything you have borrowed.

8. Service power mowers, boats, etc. draining all gas/oil to prevent fire in moving van.

9. Check with doctors and dentist for all family records and prescriptions

10. Get children's school records.

11. Check freezer and plan to use of food over next 2-3 weeks.

12. Remove all jewelry and valuables to a safe deposit box to prevent loss during move.

13. Give away or arrange for transportation of house plants (most moving companies will not move plants).

14. Schedule a check up for your pet just to make sure they are in good health and have what they need when you arrive…also, check for hotels that allow pets, and any traveling issues that you need to take care of for your pets…carriers, etc. before leaving town.

One Week Prior to Moving:

1. Transfer or close checking and savings accounts. Arrange for cashier's check or money order to pay moving company on arrival to new community.

2. Have automobile serviced for trip.

3. Check and make inventory of all furniture for dents and scratches, notify moving company of your inventory and compare on final day.

4. Dispose of all combustibles and spray cans (spray cans can explode or burn).

5. Pack a separate carton for cleaning materials and tools.

6. Separate cartons and luggage you need for personal travel.

7. Organize at least one room in the house for packers and movers to work freely.

8. Cancel all newspapers, garden service, snow removal, etc.

9. Review the entire list to make certain that you haven't overlooked anything. Check and doublecheck everything you have done before it's too late (behind doors, in cabinet & drawers)

10. Anytime before the move... hair cuts, family and pets.

Moving Day:

1. Check all rooms and each closet and cabinet. Lock all doors and windows.

2. Advise your Realtor and neighbors that the house is empty.

3. Make sure to get a contact cell phone number for the driver of your moving truck

4. Give the mover your cell phone number.

5. Confirm the address and directions to your new home with your driver.

New home buyers need to visualize how they would utilize the space. Make your home beautiful, warm and inviting

For the Photo Shoot and Home Showings

 Foyer/Front Porch/all Entry ways: This is the gateway to your house. There should be no clutter, no dust, no spiderwebs, no excess furniture. Put away excess shoes. If there is space for a bench or chair for someone to sit and remove their shoes on a rainy-day day, that's a plus.

 Kitchen: Please remove everything off your counter tops for Photo Day and for Showings. Remove any Kitchen Rugs and make sure the trash can is out of sight. It's fine to have decorative pieces at the top of the cabinets in settings of 3 or 5 - or nothing at all. Place the coffee maker and toaster out of camera view (in a cabinet or the pantry). Dish towels and dish washing liquid out of sight. Refrigerator cleared of all magnets, and shined up.

 Breakfast and Dining Rooms: The Dining Room should function like a Dining Room for most buyers to assess it properly. So, if you are currently using it as a play room or a pool hall, it will save you a lot of lost days on the market, to convert it back to a Dining Room. Set the table in a simple fashion. If the room is small, make the table an appropriate size by removing some of the leaves and limit the number of chairs you are using. If is large, showcase it's size. Clean all light bulbs, and shine up the lighting and baseboards.

 Bathrooms: Remove all items off the counter-tops, throw rugs, shampoo, soaps from shower/bathtub. Place personal items in a shower caddy, so they can be placed under the sink during showings. (Go for a spa effect with new fluffy white towels.) Minimize and fold what is in the linen closet and get rid of excess under the sink. Make sure the light bulbs are clean and working. Shine it all up with a good cleaning top to bottom. Remove access to all medicine/drugs.

 Bedrooms: Put your valuables away. Check and clean the light bulbs and fan blades. Extra pillows to fluff up your look (think luxury beach rental house). Calm it down with neutral colors, a throw blanket for the corner of the bed, and an accent pillow. Bedding should hang so your sheets are not visibly showing.

 Children's Rooms: Remove all extra toys for the photos, you can add them back after the photos have been taken and pack up the toys that are not being used all the time as this will help someone visualize the space they can use. This is just a temporary solution. Your boxes move when you do!

 Main Living Areas like Family Rooms and/or Bonus Rooms:Show off good open space by removing excess furniture, and creating clean passageways. Remove anything you are not using. Tuck away remote controls, extra magazines, books, stray paperwork and stuff. Dust. Shine. Sweep/Vacuum. Light bulbs working. Windows are Clean.

 Front, back and side yards: Place fresh mulch (and fluff up), add seasonal flowers in pots (or beds) Clean your outdoor lighting fixtures. Straighten up tables and chairs, clean cushions, and remove hoses and garden tools from sight.

Scheduling Home Tours

Our Services include a Call Center (free for you) that schedules your showings per your instructions.

 Sellers are automatically notified of upcoming showing requests.

 Sellers can receive request by phone, text, email, or all three.

 Sellers can confirm, decline or reschedule the appointments in the same manner you receive them- by phone, text or email.

 Online activity reports, along with automated feedback requests.

 24/7 access allows you to change showing instructions to fit your schedule.

Preparing Your Home For Showings

■ Make sure all beds are made; don't leave money or valuables out.

■ Make sure all dishes are either in the dishwasher or out of sight.

■ Tidy up the bathrooms. Hide prescription drugs.

■ Give the floors a quick sweeping and vacuuming if they need it.

■ Put lights on so the buyers walk into a bright home.

■ If you have pets, make sure they are out of the house or are secured.

■ Make sure there are no odors from cooking, pets, etc.

Step Out For Agent-Assisted Showings

Some homeowners feel it would be a good thing for them to be around when agents (with buyers) come through, others simply just don’t want to leave. But they should.

The biggest reason is that buyers need some “space” in order to make your space their own. Let them look at your home with their agent. Rather than feel like you’re watching and listening to them. If you were in their shoes, it's like being in a store and the only other person in the store is the owner. Even though the owner doesn't feel pressure, buyers do. And instead of getting a good feel for your home, they opt to leave quickly.

One Final Note:

Many people don’t realize that it’s important to get approved for a mortgage on their next home before they even begin to sell their current house.

If you have enough cash to buy whatever you want, then you will just need to attain a "Proof of Funds" letter from your financial institute.

For those of you that will be using the proceeds of your current home to help you purchase your next property, you'll need to contact your mortgage lender, sooner rather than later.

o Learn how much you qualify for on your next home

o Mend any credit issues that could help you lower your finance fee as well as increase your purchasing power.

o Give yourself the peace of mind you need to move forward with any offers that come in on your house once you go on the market.

o Learn the mortgage loan options available to you today.