KELLIHER REALTY

7 Tanager Court

Merrimack, NH  03054

Phone (603) 424-0066

Fax     (603) 424-0182

Show your house to its maximum advantage!

A buyer will not look at your home the same way you do.  They will be looking for potential problems.  Examine your home from a buyers perspective and objectively look at your house before you put it on the market.  You will need to concentrate on repairs, de-cluttering, and cleanliness.

Repairs:

• Eliminate rattles, squeaks and leaks

• Clean or redo caulking around tubs and sinks

• Remove all signs of water damage

• Replace discolored wallpaper

• If it is peeling, repaint it.

• Dark colors turn off most buyers so it you plan to paint use white or off-white.

• Replace warn hardware and lighting fixtures.

• Repair windows and screens.

• Repair sticking doors and windows.

• Tighten loose doorknobs, light switch plates and cabinet hinges.

• Tack down all loose molding.

• Consider a professional whole house inspection.  An inspection will likely uncover any major defects and will allow you to correct them before they can cause trouble with a potential buyer.  It is also a desirable marketing point, as well as a signal that you are a responsible seller.

Declutter:

• Eliminate everything you can live without.  Have a garage sale and use proceeds to buy a storage unit to store large and unnecessary items.

• Organize garage, shed and basements

• Reduce number of items in cabinets and on countertops.

• Arrange clothing neatly in each closet and reduce number of items stored on shelves and on floor.

• Remove pets and children from house during showings.  Both are distractions.  Pets underfoot will quickly put a damper on an otherwise positive showing.

• Depersonalize your house - Buyers need to envision themselves in the house, so remove family photographs from walls, bookshelves and mantles.  Sparsely decorated walls also give the illusion of a larger space.

Clean:

• Wash windows and mirrors

• Clean oven and all appliances.

• Clean all grease spatters and polish fixtures and surfaces.

• Clean carpets and flooring

• Put out fresh towels and new soap in bathrooms.

• Clean or replace shower curtains.

• Replace worn, stained and odorous carpeting.

• Clean tile and grout.

• Clean and open every window covering.  All drapes, curtains and blinds should be letting in as much light as possible.

• Clean light fixtures and replace lights with higher wattage bulbs.  Think light and bright!

• Keep pet areas especially clean and odor free.

• Bake bread or cookies, or boil cinnamon sticks in water on stove to give your home a clean welcoming aroma.

• Always make sure carpet is vacuumed prior to a showing.

• Ask a friend or neighbor to assess efforts, especially like pet odors.