beckyinvegas.com    Helping Las Vegas Real Estate Buyers and Sellers since 1997

People usually decide within two minutes whether or not they like your house. That "first impression" is often the lasting impression. And they start forming their opinion “before” they even walk in the front door! So it is smart to ask yourself if your house is as presentable as it can be for a faster sale at the best price. The best way to find out is to imagine that YOU are the prospective buyer. You’ve probably been looking at other homes, so approach your present house the way you look at other houses. Your Real Estate Agent will do all of the things necessary to bring in all the prospects—but when it comes right down to it, your house is going to sell itself.

... where it can be seen at first sight. A well-manicured lawn, neatly clipped shrubbery, and cleanly swept walks create a good first impression. An extra shot of fertilizer, in season, will make your grass look lush and green. Cut back overgrown shrubbery that looks scraggly or keeps light out of the house.

... if necessary. This can do more for sales appeal than any other factor. If you decide against painting, at least consider touching up around shutters, window frames and trim, especially the front door. Inspect the roof, replace any missing shingles or tiles. Put flowers outside the front door. Put a bright coat of paint on the mailbox. Make sure outside lighting is in good order. People like to "drive by" in the evenings before they make a commitment to buy.

... is the most important room in the house. Make it bright and attractive. If dull, paint cabinets and put up new curtains. Clean the ventilating hood in the kitchen. If the kitchen flooring is badly worn, replace it. It will be less expensive to do it early, then to wait for a buyer to ask for an allowance or to ask you to replace it when you have an offer. Replace any loose tiles. If vinyl first soften adhesive by applying heat with an iron covered by a soft cloth. Remove any appliances on your counters. Clean counters make rooms look larger. REPAIR LEAKY FAUCETS.

... keep fresh towels folded, use special cleaning solvents to remove stains from toilets, sinks, bathtubs and showers. If drains run slow, unclog them, it can be an appraisal condition.

... of everything you are not going to move. Box everything you won't need until you are settled in your new home. Clean out the garage and storage sheds. For sliding doors that stick in their tracks, rub the track with paraffin or candle wax.

... for leaks and cracks. Repair any ceiling damage and paint. Fill nail holes and retouch paint. When decorating resist offbeat colors, stay with pastels and the more conventional tones. Faded curtains and bedspreads can be dyed bright colors for accents.

Answer questions candidly and quickly but stay on the sidelines.