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An open house is a great way to drum up interest in your home, but you want to make sure your home look its best before your first buyer pulls up to the curb. Here are some steps you can take to make your yard shine.

1. Tidy Up

Keeping your yard neat and clean is an important step to making your home as appealing as possible. Pick up any toys, leaves, sticks, or other debris scattered about your yard. Also take time to clean out the gutters and power wash your home’s siding and lawn furniture.

2. Landscape

Keep your bushes neatly trimmed and mow your lawn the day before your open house to keep your yard looking nice. Remember to blow away any extra grass clippings around the edge of your lawn to make the edges of your lawn look nice. Consider hiring a lawn care service while your home is on the market to ensure it consistently looks its best.

3. Details

Small details can make a big difference to your home. Oil any squeaky screen door hinges you have, replace dead light bulbs and torn screens, and add some touch-up paint to the doors, woodwork, or exterior of your home. Also consider adding a nice pot of flowers to add a pop of color to your porch or deck.

If you or someone you know is thinking about making a move, let me know! I have the resources you need to minimize the stress of moving and get you the best deal possible!

If you are serious about selling, these 5 steps will make your home sell faster and hassle free.

Rule #1: Choose the realtor that is right for you

Meeting and interviewing a few potential realtors gives you the opportunity to ask questions, learn about their experience and working style, and determine their areas of expertise and level of professionalism.

Rule #2: Consult with experts to analyze your needs

This could include an accountant or financial advisor, Realtor, banker, attorney, investment strategist, insurance Realtor, etc. Selling a home can have a significant impact on your financial picture and produce repercussions that continue long after the deal is closed. Evaluate your goals in selling your home carefully.

How you structure the deal, what kinds of terms you can accept, and how you price the home may vary greatly depending on your specific needs and circumstances. For example, if you need to sell quickly because you’re starting a new job in another part of the country, you may price the home lower than you would if you had more time to sell.

Rule #3: DON’T over price your home

You don’t want to over price your home because you’re going to lose the freshness of the home’s appeal after the first two to three weeks of showings. Demand and interest wane after 21 days or so. Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from dropping your price later, but this can be a matter of too-little-too-late.

Rule #4: Obtain a comparative market analysis (CMA)

How do you come up with the right price? The answer starts with the Comparative Market Evaluation. This evaluation is a comparison of other properties in your area that have recently sold. You will be able to compare size, age, condition, amenities and other variables with your own home. You will also see the listing price and sale price.

Rule #5: Know the condition of your home and prepare it for a quick sale and top dollar

The physical condition and appearance of your home are the factors over which you have the greatest control. if it needs repair, fix it! Put yourself in the shoes of your buyers. The devil is in the details.

• Check walls for loose wallpaper, peeling paint, stains or signs of damage and touch them up.
• Make sure all systems, (heating/cooling, central vacuum, etc.), electrical switches, appliances, and plumbing fixtures are in good working condition, too.
• Home “staging” can make your home more inviting.
• When presenting your home, take care to eliminate any unnecessary distractions.
• The thermostat should be set at a comfortable 70-72 degrees.
• The TV should be turned off, however some light music in the background might be appropriate.
• Children and pets should definitely not be present and ideally, neither should you. Let your home sell itself.