It’s no secret that an “Attractive” home will attract offers. Follow these tips to make your home stand out and ultimately get more money. Here are 6 big ideas to follow.

real estate check list

Keep the Home Dressed Up – The homes curb appeal will create an instant and irreversible first impression with every buyer. Use this checklist to make sure your listing is dressed for success.

Paint the Trim / and Front Door
Plant Flowers / Pull Weeds
Clean the Downspouts and Gutters
Clean the Screens and Windows
Pressure Wash the Sidewalk / Driveway
Mow Grass, Remove Weeds and Pet Waste / Apply New Bark Mulch (if necessary)
Replace Outside Light Bulbs with Clear Bright Bulbs
Wash the House Exterior or Paint if Needed
Clean or Replace House Numbers
Remove all Cob Webs / Spray for Pests

Create a Warm Environment – Every home should offer the potential buyer a warm, friendly experience especially during the first showing. What greets the buyer on the other side of the seller’s front door? Things to consider:

Consider the Smell of the Home / Candles & Vanilla Can Help
Replace Lights Bulbs, Clean Drapes, Blinds, Windows and Light Fixtures
Professionally Clean Carpets / Replace if Needed
Paint Walls or Wash Walls
Clean Doors / Cabinets / Closets / Mirrors
Dust the Home / Remove Cobwebs / Clean Vents
Clean Appliances Inside and Out
Have Mechanicals Cleaned and Checked
Paint or Clean Baseboards
Re-Caulk Bathtubs / Showers
Clean or Replace Cracked or Damaged Outlet Covers and Switches

Remove Barriers from the Relationship – Buyers need to build an emotional bond with a home before they can make a decision to purchase the home. Help them by removing potential barriers.

Pack and Store Seasonal Clothing
Remove Unused Furniture
Remove Personal Photo Clutter and Pack
Secure Pets Before Each Showing
Remove and Replace Fixtures Not Included with Sale
Encourage Sellers to Leave the Home During Showings

Tell a Story and Be Interesting – Buyers want a home that stands out from the competition. This is often referred to as staging the home. Here are top producer suggestions:

Set the Kitchen Table
Turn Down the Master Bed / Place a Book on Nightstand
Display an Open Game in the Kids Room
Turn on Fireplace in Living Room
Turn on Soft Music
Display a Family DVD near the Entertainment Center

Open Up the Dark Areas – Buyers want to know everything about a home before they decide to move forward. In most cases this means they want to view every area of the home. By making this easier you may be able to position your listing as the most appealing match to the buyer needs. For example:

Unlock and Open All Areas of the Home
Turn lights on in spaces that are hard to see
Turn basement lights on throughout
Clean the Garage / Sweep / and Pressure Wash
Unlock Outside Buildings Including Shops
Clean Out Closets / Pantry
Provide Access to the Crawl Space / Cellar
Provide Access to Attic

Offer Incentives – How can your listing stand out from the crowd? One way is to offer the buyer an incentive to purchase your listing. Examples of incentives that could be offered: