Home for Sale - Ready to Show in Record Time!

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my family has decided to move after 10 years in our current home.  It got me to thinking about people who are in a similar situation, or are having to clear out the home of a parent of loved one.  
Getting the home market-ready can be very straight forward.  Here are a few steps that I found really helpful!

1. Brighten up any high traffic or damaged areas with a fresh coat of paint.
2. Get rid of knick-knacks, family photos, valuables, and clutter.
3. Remove excess furniture.  People have to envision their belongings in empty spots.
4. Call a foundation such as the Epilepsy or Lupus foundation to donate items that are no longer needed, or consider holding an estate or garage sale.
5. Rent a storage space for excess:  mowers, furniture, off season clothing etc...
6. Wash windows and screens and do a deep cleaning.
7. If you have more than one bathroom, consider using just one.  It makes cleaning a snap!
8. Brighten up the entry with a new welcome mat.
9. Play soft music, classical or jazz during showings or open houses.
10. Neutralize all odors:  food, pet, perfume, etc.  We often can't smell things that we're used to.  Bring in a trusted friend and ask them to be honest about what they smell. 
11. Wait to put the property on the market until you can be fully behind selling it.  If you can't easily resonate with the sale, get professional help to discover what you are holding on to by holding the property.  With your positive energy working for you, it will sell in a snap!