Tidy up the grounds, porches and garage. Keep lawn trimmed and edged. Make sure that your yard is clean.

Your front door gives a vital first impression. Be sure it is scrubbed and repainted if necessary.

Dress up windows - wash windows and clean/dust window coverings.

If any decorating is needed (especially the kitchen) do it now! $20.00 worth of paint may save you money in the sales price. Bathrooms help sell homes. Make this room sparkle.

Keep all steps clear of hazards.

Don't forget to have all light sockets filled with bulbs. Illumination is like a welcome sign. The potential buyers will feel a glowing warmth when you turn on all your lights for a showing, day or evening.

Wash dishes, put away clothes, straighten up newspapers, etc.

Make up beds with attractive spreads.

Keep pets out of the way when showing. Many people are allergic to animals.

Avoid having too many people present during inspections. The potential buyer will feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house. Do not allow children to tag along on the visitor's tour.

Leave the showing to the salesperson. The salesperson knows the buyer's requirements and can best emphasize the features of your home. (Leave the property if possible.)

Never apologize for appearance. It either distracts or accentuates the problem.

Pack valuables now and store extra furniture and knick-knacks.

Look at your property objectively. Pretend you're seeing it for the first time through a buyer's eyes. Remember - we only have one chance to make a good first impression.

Next, keep in mind the concept of "less is better." Dispose of clutter and be sure that rooms are not overcrowded. Put furniture in storage, if necessary, and keep in mind the way a model home is furnished. Eliminate piles of newspapers, magazines, clippings and bric-a-brac. Remember, people can be influenced easily and the more personalized your home appears, the more difficult it may be for others to visualize themselves occupying the same space. Therefore, it is sometimes worth considering removing any abundance of ethnic or religious art, family photos, and overly dramatic artifacts.

Remember also to appeal to the senses - sight, sound and smell. Cooking odors can be as offensive as they can be attractive. Smells of onions, garlic, herbs and spices can sometimes be a turn-off. Also animal smells and musty odor, mold and mothballs are almost certain to stop a would be sale.

Keep soft music on and avoid ball games, news reports and blasting television programs. Let the real estate agent do the talking and try to give everyone space. Keep children in the yard or outside when possible during daylight hours and keep barking dogs away when possible.

We are trying to create a great first impression.

BUYERS who choose Ken Borden, a top real estate professional and agent, to help them with their search and purchase of a home or property, receive the greatest amount of valuable information needed to make important decisions.  Buyers receive daily real estate market updates via email.  Buyers receive recorded tax information: the seller's old purchase price and date, the square footage of a property and of the land, the amount of the loans and dates.  Buyers also receive the complete listing history of  a real estate property, which includes all periods of earlier attempts to sell, and whether any price reductions have occurred.  You can be helped with your search for homes, houses, estates, condominiums, townhouses, income property, apartments, duplexes, and land.