My Friend Michele has some great ideas that I thought I'd share with you.

Are You Preventing Your Home From Selling?

by Michele Canora

Sep. 1, 2009

As a real estate professional I get to see the inside of a lot of homes. I also get to experience the reaction of potential buyers when they view a home. Some homes don't even get a chance to be seen because the buyers want to keep on driving if the yard and landscaping are in disarray. The most common turn offs to buyers are smell, clutter, cleanliness and paint colors. These are easy fixes and pretty inexpensive considering the payoff. A clean well kept home is very important. Most buyer assume if the sellers don't take care of what the buyers can see then they are not taking care of what the buyers can't see.

Below are tips to improve the appearance of your home. These tips could save you a few unwanted mortgage payments.

Is the roof free and clear from obstructions and moss?

Are the gutters clear and neatly hung?

Are the windows clean and free from obstructions (such as overgrown bushes or trees)?

Are bushes, trees and shrubs neatly pruned?

Are plants neatly pruned?

Is the bed free and clear of weeds?

Is the bed properly mulched?

Are flowers in bloom?

Is the lawn free from weeds?

Is the lawn free from grass clippings?

Is the lawn neatly edged?

Remove all clutter from the house.

Are countertops free and clear?

Have you removed unnecessary furniture throughout the house?

Remove the art gallery and coupon collection from the refrigerator.

Check the bathrooms. Are the surfaces clean and clear? Are shower curtains and doors hung properly? Is the flooring clean and fresh? Are towels neatly hung?

Check the walls. Is paint and wallpaper fresh and clean? Are the walls free from holes? Are there any colors or objects on the walls that need to be removed?

Check the floors. Is the carpet clean and free from stains? Are hard surface floors clean and free from stains?

Check windows and window coverings. Are all the windows clean? Are draperies and blinds clean?

Are there any signs that this is a pet's home? Be sure to clean and remove kitty litter, pet toys and bedding.

Try to air out the home prior to showings.

If air freshener is necessary, use well before showings as a consideration to those with allergies.

Before showings open draperies and blinds, turn on the radio to a classical music station, set the volume on low, if you have time, cook a batch of cookies to have the warm, welcoming aroma permeating the home.