• Think like a buyer: walk from the street to your door, making note of important areas that need attention, such as...
• Make sure the front entrance is clean.
• Paint or replace your front door if needed.
• In spring, flowers are always inviting.
• In summer, keep lawn mowed and landscape maintained.
• In autumn, rake the leaves.
• In winter, keep snow away from sidewalks and steps.
• If the season allows it, open windows for fresh air.
• Remove ashtrays and throw out your garbage: some buyers will not even walk through your home if they feel offended.

• An entire clean home will make a huge difference.
• Paint where necessary.
• Replace or repair wallpaper problems (loose or faded areas).
• Clean all windows, replacing cracked or broken screens.
• Mirrors should be clean and bright.
• Open drapes and blinds: a bright room helps keep prospects bright.
• Kitchens and bath are a buyer's critical areas.
• Clean carpets are important.

• Counter tops should be clean and clear of clutter.
• Clean out cabinets and pack away items that are not needed.
• Your oven and dishwasher should be clean inside and out.
• Sinks should be empty and spotless. Clean rusts spots.

• Repairing faucets will let the potential buyer know you cared for your home.
• Faucets should be polished.
• Clean or repair any water damaged areas.

• Replace burnt light bulbs.
• Loose knobs and/or sticking doors will frustrate buyers.

• Spacious rooms are important for selling.
• Remove all unnecessary clutter.
• Consider having a garage sale.
• Buyers are looking for homes with great storage space, so make sure your basement is clean and clear.
• Don't forget the closets - customers will peek in there.
• Consider donating extra clothes and furniture to charity.

• Keep stairways clean. No skateboards or toys.
• Remove slippery throw rugs and all clothes.
• Don't overload outlets. Remove unnecessary extension cords.

• Don't be home during the buyer's tour - it makes the buyer's feel uncomfortable.
• Soft music is best: this allows the buyers to talk comfortably.
• No pets allowed. Remove litter boxes and feeding dishes.
• Do you have time to bake? Bake cookies and breads in a pie plate: it will make the potential buyer welcome and leave with a warm memory.
• Don't forget to make the patio and backyard inviting.
• Garage: clean all oil spots and sweep the floor.
• Leave cars out of garage, allowing the buyers to walk around uninhibited.

     Point out to the new buyers the status of the following items so that they have peace of mind about their new home and fireplace and so that they know whether it will necessary for them to have these items addressed.

1. Have your chimney and vents inspected annually. Have the chimney and vents that serve your fireplace or wood stove inspected annually and cleaned when necessary by a chimney sweep certified by the Chimney Safety Institute of America.
2. Clear the area around the hearth. Debris too close to the fireplace or to a wood stove could cause a fire. Trim overhanging branches or large trees near chimney or vents. Keep Christmas stockings, holiday decorations, and furniture at a safe distance.
3. Always use a fireplace screen. Always use a metal, mesh screen in front of your fireplace. Leave glass doors of a fireplace open while burning a fire - unless fireplace manufacturers' instructions indicate otherwise.
4. Never overload the fireplace.
5. Have safety equipment handy. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and place smoke detectors throughout the house. Teach all family members to operate the fire extinguisher and regularly test the smoke detectors.
6. Never leave fire unattended. Be sure the fire is extinguished before you go to bed. Never leave children or pets unsupervised near a fire in either a fireplace or wood stove.
7. Install a carbon monoxide detector and test the batteries regularly.

Pressed for time? Consider hiring a professional to make the best impression possible, an investment that is well worth the price.

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