Remember the old saying: You never get a second chance to make a first impression”. Most buyers will only see your house one time and those that look through it more than once will do so based on what they saw the first time. You need to take a good hard look at your house like a buyer looking at it the first time would.

Start at the curb. What will buyers see as they drive up? What can you do that will improve the way it looks? Mow the grass at least once a week and keep it watered. Under-watered lawns tell people that you don’t take care of your lawn very well and beg of them the question “What else doesn’t get taken care of?” Wash off the front door or paint it if necessary.

Watch out for anything that says clutter. Clean off the fridge. Get rid of all the magnets, pictures, schedules, calendars, and etc. Counter tops and shelves are another thing that tends to gather clutter. You will be moving soon so start packing. Get rid of everything that you don’t need. Put it in boxes and store it somewhere out of the way.

Make sure your air-fresheners are up to date. Buy new ones if you need to. When you live in a house you can get very used to the way it smells and it smells like home. Other people may not agree. The sense of smell can make or break you. Here’s a great trick: put about a quarter cup of water and two teaspoons of vanilla in a pie tin in the oven on low heat about a half hour before a showing. It will smell like you have been baking all day.

One last thing. Well lit homes feel bigger and more livable, so when you know you are going to have a showing, walk through the house and turn on all the lights. I know this goes against what your Dad told you and what you tell your kids, but it will make your house feel more open and livable.

Make the first showing count.