| As you prepare a house for sale or rent, here are | | | | during a showing. |
| some basics for making sure you get the best | | | | Ceiling fans are a good investment. Get inexpensive |
| response from prospects. | | | | ones and put them in every bedroom. Have them |
| Your objective is to make the home as attractive as | | | | spinning on low while prospects are looking. There's |
| possible while investing the least amount of cash. | | | | something welcoming and relaxing about a slowly |
| House buying is often an emotional decision. People | | | | spinning ceiling fan. |
| decide to buy a house because they fall in love with | | | | Remove old and outdated window treatments or |
| it. In many cases, you just have to make sure they | | | | damaged blinds. Replace them with new, inexpensive |
| don't have a reason to dislike the house. | | | | mini-blinds. |
| Here are some ideas for houses you are selling or | | | | Take a good look at your house from the street. |
| renting. You want to present your best either way. | | | | Does it measure up to the other homes in the |
| Spic-and-Span Sells. Make sure everything is clean and | | | | neighborhood? It really should look better than many |
| bright. | | | | of its neighbors. Do some inexpensive landscaping by |
| Paint it. Fresh paint does wonders for any room. | | | | adding flowers, bushes and some mulch. The yard |
| Sometimes you can get by with a touch-up, but a | | | | should be clean and well maintained. Trim shrubs and |
| complete paint job will definitely make everything like | | | | trees, and keep the grass cut and trimmed. |
| new. You even get the added benefit of a new | | | | Check the house numbers on the home and on the |
| smelling home when walls are freshly painted. Be sure | | | | mailbox. A prospect will certainly look at the street |
| to use bright but neutral colors. We use a light tan | | | | number, so make sure it conveys the quality of the |
| satin paint for walls and bright white semi-gloss for all | | | | home. |
| the trim. | | | | No shutters? Add some! Installing shutters on a home |
| Clean the carpet. A complete professional cleaning is | | | | is like putting hubcaps on a used car. The cost is |
| an inexpensive way to freshen any carpet. If it's not | | | | minimal, but the curb appeal is powerful. |
| in good shape, don't hesitate to replace it. New | | | | Visit new subdivisions and open houses in your area, |
| carpet is worth every penny when you are showing | | | | especially model homes. You'll get some good ideas |
| a home. Again, choose a neutral color that's not too | | | | for presenting your home. Some Realtors put small |
| dark. Tan is usually a good choice. | | | | signs up throughout the house noting special features |
| Seriously consider replacing worn appliances. You can | | | | like: Energy Saving Heat Pump, New Water Heater |
| usually replace a stove and dishwasher for $500 or | | | | Installed 2004, or Refrigerator Remains With Home. |
| less if you find a floor model or scratch and dent | | | | This is a great way to point out features. |
| discount. New or "like new" appliances make a big | | | | Another idea we got at an open house was to set |
| impact on kitchen appeal. | | | | the dining table with nice plates, glasses and cloth |
| Replace outdated kitchen and bathroom faucets. This | | | | napkins. That's great if furniture is still in the home. |
| will quickly upgrade the room. | | | | We also recommend that you play classical music on |
| New commode seats are a must. They are a quick | | | | the stereo. Remember, most people are "moving up" |
| and inexpensive way to make things bright and clean. | | | | to their new home, so make them feel like they are |
| Get the $7 white ones made of wood. They look | | | | really upgrading. |
| great. | | | | And for some finishing touches, put a vase of fresh |
| Replace light switches and wall plugs. TURN THE | | | | flowers on the counter, some candles on the mantle, |
| POWER OFF FIRST! New switches and plugs don't | | | | and some fresh hand towels in the bathroom. |
| cost much, and they instantly brighten any room. | | | | Finally, put a brand new doormat at the front door. |
| Replace outdated light fixtures. Old light fixtures can | | | | You can pick one up for less than $10. I like the ones |
| quickly age a house. You don't have to put in | | | | that actually say, "Welcome." |
| expensive fixtures, just new ones to replace dusty | | | | Always remember that your tastes may be different |
| and rusty ones. | | | | from your potential buyer's. They are making a very |
| While you're at it, put new light bulbs in every fixture, | | | | personal decision. By paying attention to small details, |
| in every socket. Choose the highest wattage that | | | | you can make a big difference in their perception. |
| can safely be used and don't leave any socket | | | | Make sure the home is inviting enough for them to |
| unused. Your goal is to keep things bright. Even in | | | | want to make it their own. |
| broad daylight, I turn on every light in the house | | | | |