I hope some of my suggestions will assist the new crop of 2004 home sellers to have quick sales with great results.

First impressions count with buyers. You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression, so a small investment in time and money can give your house the advantage over competing homes in your neighbourhood when it comes time for your Realtor to show it to a prospective buyer.

Here are some of my suggestions for preparing your home for showing:

• Repair leaky taps and toilets
• Clean furnace and humidifier
• Tighten door knobs and cupboards latches
• Repair cracked plaster
• Touch up chipped paint
• Clean and repair windows
• Repair seals around tub and basin
• Replace burned out light bulbs
• Oil squeaking doors

• Cut lawns
• Trim hedges and shrubs
• Weed and edge gardens
• Pick up litter
• Clear drive & walkway of snow and leaves
• Repair soffits and eavestroughs
• Clean out garage
• Touch up paint (if repainting use neutral colours)

• Clean and freshen bathrooms
• Clean refrigerator and stove
• Clean furnace exterior
• Clean washer, dryer, and laundry tubs
• Clean carpets

• Turn on all lights
• Turn on air-conditioning when necessary
• Light fireplace
• Open drapes in the daytime
• Play quiet background music
• Curb your pet

• Clean and tidy porch and foyer
• Does the doorbell work?
• Is the door hardware in good shape?
• Is the air fresh?

• Clear halls and stairs of clutter
• Store surplus furniture
• Clear kitchen counters and stove
• Make closets neat and tidy

Another really important tip is that during the showing of your home either relocate to another area of the house (away from immediate activity), or temporarily vacate your home (preferable). With a little effort from you, you can make your home ready to sell more quickly and at a better price!!

Nancy Hare is the Owner / Real Estate Manager of New View Realty Ltd. in Miramichi and has years of experience in the Real Estate Industry. For more information about Real Estate or to comment on this article, contact Nancy by phone at 506-627-6735, by fax at 506-778-1924 or email nvrmanager@hotmail.com