Well, I need to kill about an hour here so I’ll tell u why I bought my last 2 homes and a couple major tips – some already said – I know one not – time out. get back to u on my story – it is interesting at the least – till then I wish u well. here are the tips

1- your agent will give u a paper with the bottom and top price he expects – remove it from your house – this is the 1st thing my agent looked for and found in several homes we viewed – so put it in the car glove box… just get it out for good so you don’t forget
2- street appeal – you know the deal - well-manicured lawn, neatly trimmed shrubs and a clutter free yard
3- no burned-out bulbs in house
4- Let the sun shine in
5- bathroom sparkle – 5 min job if u keep in good shape – also no drips
6- organized closet – everyone is looking for storage space
7- get rid of excess furniture – sale or store – we want space
8- Get rid of pets, dishes... and smells for viewing. If u have pets… take viewing by appointment only. Yes, it cuts down on walk in, but if they like the out side enough they will be back – hence – you are down to the real interested buyer. JMO – also exit the home – I don’t care if u are beauty or beast – get out.
9- right smell – hit google or good tips here now – give it the just baked cake smell – can’t go wrong there. I know 1 woman who really did this every morning. Don’t ask me about taste, but I hear the smell was great. This is real and it sold good.
10- Family pic – it can sell it or it can’t sell it. 99 to 1 it will kill it IMO. I would keep the sweet kid pics and store the rest – can’t go wrong there-we all love kids and it gives a nice family atmosphere.

another HGTV junkie here.....and althought I love most of the shows I dont always agree with thier tactics....
I agree that when I see family and pet pics It reminds me this is a "family friendly" place to live.....
also You said you had a storage ...thats great....like already said...keep things to a minimal....you want the "buyer" to see thier things in that house...not be so over taken by yours....keep walk ways open and kitchens and front doors inviting....
"CLEAN BATHROOMS" is a must!!!! no one wants to see "left over" dirt from the person before them......
Play up the good stuff......and down play the flaws.....if your kitchen rocks....put in a sweet smelling boquet of flowers on the counter or dinning table.....or a basket of fruit....
its spring...bring in the beauty.....a new set of hand towels and decorative soaps in the bathroom adds a special fresh touch. (get rid of personal items from the sinks and counter tops) Buyers dont wanna see your makeup and deo....lol...
I think You have a great grasp on the way this all works.....You know as much as we do and you know YOUR house...

I also agree in the "be gone" part. I have been in homes where the selers are present. Its pressuring and I felt very uncomfortable as well......let the agent do his/her job...

I am sure your pets are sweet and loving as you are...but not ALL people are comfortable with them....it would be best if they are not there at time of showing.....never know when some buyers lil kid has been mauled by a NOT SO LOVING dog and the very sight of one makes them cringe......ya know

I wish you the nest Greta....You will do fine....You got a great commong sence with this stuff and you realy want it to happen...you wil go the extra mile to see that it does....just dont make yourself crazy in the meantime......
God Bless ya girl!!!!

How'd it go Greta????? Tapping foot here waiting for the report....


How'd it go, how'd it go, how'd it go

Well, my house is just about as clean as it can be. Dogs are on the deck for today. Once the garage is cleaned out, they will be corralled in there.

By appt would be nice, but not terribly realistic since I work 30 minutes away. Dogs in the garage will have to do.

I think I've got about 75% of the suggestions already in place. There's still work to be done since the house doesn't really go on the market for a couple more weeks.

We'll see if he calls. No word yet. I'm not concerned but the housecleaners are going to be wondering what they need to be there for this week - it looks better now than it does after they leave!

LOL...LOL...well at least they can KEEP it that way for ya Greta....

No one can clean your own house better then you can yourself....
I often wont even let others help me with the dishes...cuz I love it MY way lol....

Ya Kay, but I'll take mediocre house cleaners over doing it myself any day! I can learn to live with disappointment!!

Got everything extraneous moved out and into storage. Yea - now I can go kayaking again!!

They came around 4 pm. He took some pics to show another buyer who wants into our neighborhood then turned them into a show. I thought it looked pretty good. Only 4 more agents to interview and then we can decide! PM me if you want to see the show. It's not final, but it's a start.

I agree with you on that note Greta! I don't have the energy anymore to clean my house. The housekeeper I have now does a great job and she even plays with Holly! Can't beat that!

Gee, I have some pictures to add to your slide show! Hmmm...think they would help sell your house???? Hmmmm maybe not!

OMG - I am stressing out about realtor selection right now. We have one more coming tonight (who I have no intention of hiring but am only meeting to humor DH). Each is different and has strengths and weaknesses - three of them we are friendly with. This sucks!

Oh, just pick the best-looking one if it's a guy!

You'll do fine, Gret, besides, if it doesn't sell before your transfer, doesn' Uncle Sam step in with FMV?

Nope - if it doesn't sell, we just pay a mortgage until it does....or we rent it No transfer buy outs.