Tips to get the highest $$ for your house!

They say we are in a buyer's market right now...true for the majority of the nation. However, pockets actually do exist here and there where we just continue on with a prevailing seller's market...i.e. San Carlos, CA. But whether we are in a buyer's or seller's market, when a seller decides to list their home on the market, they want to get the top dollar for it. In order to do that, there are some simple and economical steps that you can take!

1 - You absolutely have to make a good first impression.

• Make your grass greener.
• Paint your front door if need be.
• Plant cute colorful plants all along the pathway to the front door which always makes people feel at home :)
• Fix your broken doorbell and shine your door knocker.
• Clean all your outside light fixtures of those creepy cobwebs.
• Sweep and polish.
• Fill any cracks in the stairs or concrete that you can. (You don't need people tripping on their way into your house!)
• Clean the windows.
• Touch up paint where needed - inside and out.
• Trim any bushes or shrubs that may block window views and light. (Light is very important to most people).
• Replace any dark drapery with light and airy curtains to bring in all light possible and put light colored slipcovers on dark couches and chairs. (Bright and cheery homes make people happy).

2 - Remove Clutter - LESS IS MORE

• Wipe those counter tops clean in the kitchen - store small appliances like your blender and toaster in cabinets and hide all electric cords.
• Wipe those counter tops clean in the bathroom - no hairspray, q-tip jars, brushes...you get the point.
• Remove all personal items such as family photos
• Remove your children's artwork from the walls and refrigerator (I know this is a tough one!)
• Attempt to have all your closet floors cleared out.
• Put some of your clothes into storage.
• Toss ugly plants that you are attempting to nurse back to health.

3 - Freshen all around

• Replace damaged burners or other appliances in your kitchen.
• Re-grout tile where needed throughout the house.
• Swap out outdated kitchen cabinet knobs, paint the cabinets if needed or replace them.
• Wax those floors.
• Get rid of old carpet if there is hardwood underneath - especially if it is in good condition.
• Fluff your bathroom towels.
• Hide your toilet brush cleaner...no one wants to see that!
• Buy a new bar of soap - no one wants to see an old out-of-shape bar.
• Spray a bit of lavender in the bathroom for a real fresh feeling.
• Fluff your bedspreads and throw extra pillows on your bed for that extra B&B feel.
• Bake cookies or have a nice vanilla or cinnamon candle burning in the kitchen for that extra "there's no place like home" feeling.
• Remove all ashtrays and smoke outside.
• Keep your garbage area clean and keep it outside to avoid any unwanted odors.
• Open some windows before buyers visit.
• Buy fresh cut flowers and place throughout the house...color adds so much.
• Add a few extra throw pillows to the couch and chairs to add some color.

Also, if you have pets, you may consider having them go on a "vacation" with friends or family for a while. Then you can eliminate the kitty box, smelly dog or cat food, and random dog chews that are not real appealing. By not having these guys at home you also have the peace of mind that they won't be let out of the house when someone comes to view it and having to make endless post-its asking to "Please don't let Fido out...he is friendly but doesn't like strangers", and that they won't scare anyone off! I have experienced both of these situations while showing homes...not fun!

Follow these tips and you will be be more likely to bring in the top dollar! Not to mention, you will also be the best B&B in the neighborhood! Your house will look so great you may have a hard time leaving!