FOCUS ON HIGH-IMPACT AREAS
The most important rooms in your home are the kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen alone can sell a house because it is the heart of a home. It is the place where family and friends most often gather to enjoy one another’s company. Buyers will be turned off by dirt and grime, cooking smells, and trash. Clean all cabinet surfaces as well as under the sink. Bathrooms are so important to Americans that most homes have two or three. As you work toward selling your home, it is imperative that the bathrooms are kept clean and odor-free and please, please remember to keep toilet lids closed for showings! Potential buyers might forgive a less-than-stellar child’s room, but a questionable kitchen or bathroom could cost you a sale.
PET PEEVES
Domestic animals are not unique features or selling points of a home. Pets are wonderful, but homebuyers want to see your home without them. For most buyers, pets are an unnecessary distraction. Pet dander and odor are not going to provide a positive viewing experience. Also, some prospects might have allergies, while others may not like animals. Minimize the presence of your pets. Dog dishes, cat litter boxes, and beds need to be out of sight. Dogs especially should be relegated to kennels or backyards while showing your home.
LIVING IN A FISHBOWL
While your house is on the market, it must be kept in a constant “show-ready” condition. There will likely be repeated showings when the home first hits the market. Keep your home in pristine
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