1.

MAKE THE MOST OF THAT FIRST IMPRESSION: Trim yard & Shrubs; clear walk and porch of clutter; paint or scrub the front door. If it is autumn, rake the leaves.

2.

INVEST A FEW HOURS FOR FUTURE DIVIDENDS: CLEAN UP! Put things away! Fresh wallpaper and paint adds charm and value to your property. Remember, prospects would rather see how great a property really looks than hear how great it could look with a "Little work".

3.

CHECK FAUCETS AND BULBS: Don't let little problems detract from your home.

4.

DON'T SHUT OUT A SALE: If cabinets or doors stick in your home, you can be sure they will stick in a prospect's mind. A little effort on your part can smooth the way towards a sale.

5.

THINK SAFETY: Homeowners learn to live with all kinds of self-set booby traps: Roller skates on the stairs, extension cords, slippery throw rugs, and low hanging lights. Make your residence as non-perilous as possible.

6.

MAKE ROOM FOR SPACE: Is your home full of too much "stuff?" Move excess furniture to storage or garage. Clean out closets, cabinets, and attic for additional space.

7.

CONSIDER YOUR CLOSETS: The better organized a closet, the larger it appears. Now is the time to box up unwanted clothes and donate them to charity.

8.

MAKE YOUR BATHROOMS SPARKLE: Bathrooms can sell homes, so let them shine! Check and repair damaged tile and caulking. Put out your best towels, mats and decorative items.

9.

CREATE DREAM BEDROOMS: Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of your bedrooms. Again, get rid of excess furniture. Fresh bedding is a must.

10.

OPEN UP IN THE DAYTIME: Let the sun shine in!

11.

LIGHTEN UP AT NIGHT: Lights add color and warmth, and make prospects feel welcome.

12.

AVOID CROWD SCENES: Potential buyers often feel like intruders when they enter a home full of people. Rather than giving your home the attention it deserves, they're likely to hurry through.

13.

WATCH YOUR PETS: Dogs and cats are great companions, but not when you are showing your home. Keep outside or at least out of the way.

14.

THINK VOLUME: Rock and roll will never die, but it might kill a real estate transaction. When it is time to show your home, it's time to turn down the stereo or TV.

15.

RELAX: Be friendly, but don't force conversation or follow prospects through the house. Prospects want to view your home with a minimum of distractions.

16.

DON'T APOLOGIZE: No matter how humble your home, never apologize for its shortcomings. If a prospect volunteers a derogatory comment, let your experienced Realtor handle the situation.

17.

KEEP A LOW PROFILE: Nobody knows your home as well as you do. But experienced Realtors know buyers - what they need and what they want. Stay in the background and let your Realtor do what they do best!

18.

DON'T RURN YOUR HOME INTO A SECOND-HAND STORE: When prospects come to view your home, don't distract them with items you may be selling. You may lose the biggest sale - that of your home!

19.

DEFER TO EXPERIENCE: When prospects want to talk price, terms or other real estate matters, let them speak to an expert - your Realtor!

20.

HELP YOUR AGENT: Your Realtor will have an easier time selling your home if showings and negotiations are handled through their office. You'll appreciate the results!