Polishing the Merchandise Start with a curb-to-door cleanup. Prune shrubs and tree branches, edge the lawn and keep it mowed and, if the season permits, add a show of color with annual bedding plants. Paint the front door and put out a new welcome mat. Inside, make your home look as spacious as possible. Eliminate clutter, and organize closets, attic and basement storage. Depersonalize your space. Reduce distractions and help would-be buyers visualize making themselves at home. Tuck away family pictures. A home stamped indelibly with your personality and style can be harder to sell. Remove obvious clues to your political, religious and social sentiments. Store away banners, bumper stickers and biased literature, including magazines. Use the Interior and Exterior checklists to identify areas of your home that need work before placing it on the market. |