The kitchen is the most important room in the house. Make it bright and attractive.
If it needs help, paint it.
Make sure the kitchen is spotless. Check the stove, floor, windows, cabinets, etc.
Clean the ventilating hood in the kitchen.
If the kitchen floor is badly worn, replace it with new flooring.
Replace any loose tiles on the counter and walls.
Remove any appliances or knick-knacks you keep on the counters. Clean, uncluttered counters will make the room look bigger.

Bathroom Home Selling Tips

Outside Home Selling Tips

Make sure the front door and porch are fresh, and clean looking. Repaint the front door if necessary.
Keep the lawn and shrubs trimmed and neat looking. Freshly planted flowers are attractive and inviting.
Sweep walkways.
Paint your house if necessary. This can do more for the sales appeal than any other item. If you don't want to paint, consider touching up shutters or window frames.
Check the roof and gutters... any missing shingles to replace? Gutters and downspouts in place?

Garage Home Selling Tips

Clean out the garage and dispose of anything you are not going to move. Box up everything you won't need until you're in your new garage.
Make sure the garage door opener is in good working condition.

Living Areas Home Selling Tips

Have all walls in top shape. Repair all cracks, nail pops or visible seams in drywall.
Wash the windows. Replace broken glass and torn screens. Make sure windows open and close
Check ceiling for leak stains. Fix the source of the leak, repair the ceiling and paint.
In painting or redecorating, avoid offbeat colors.
Replace or re-dye faded curtains or bedspreads.
If you have a fireplace, clean it out and put in fresh logs.
Replace burned out light bulbs. Put in brighter light bulbs. Make sure light switches work.
Clean floors and vacuum rugs.
Straighten up the closets and get rid of excess items.
Use air freshener to eliminate musty or unpleasant pet or cooking odors.
Fix any doors or sliding glass doors that stick.
Have all walls in top shape. Repair all cracks, nail pops or visible seams in drywall.
Wash the windows.
Replace broken glass and torn screens. Make sure windows open and close

Additional "Inside"Home Selling Tips

Neatness makes a room look bigger. Put excess furniture in storage. Avoid clutter.
Avoid having dirty dishes in the sink or on the counter.
Keep toys in the children's rooms. Bikes, in-line skates and skateboards should be made as inconspicuous as possible.

When Your Home is Being Shown

Open draperies and shades to let in light. This will make rooms appear larger.
Keep radios, stereos and TVs off or turned way down.
Take pets outdoors when your house is being shown. Children should be quiet.
Be courteous but don't force conversation with potential buyers. They want to inspect your house, not pay a social call.
Don't mention furniture or furnishings you may want to sell unless asked. Trying to dispose of such items via the potential buyer before they have purchased the house often loses the sale.
Let the realtor show your house and don't tag along. The salesperson knows the buyers' requirements and can better emphasize the features of your home.
Let the realtor discuss the price, terms, possession and other factors with the buyers. He/she is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.
Take your family away for the day, if your realtor is holding an open house.

Vabrato Real Estate Services (650) 346-1595

"People usually decide within minutes whether or not they like your house. Remember to view your home as a buyer would see it."