The 30 Critical Things that Allow a Home
 to Sell Quickly and for the Most Money

1. It is important to make certain that the first impression is a
 favorable one.

 2. You'll never have more activity on the home than you will in the first
three to four weeks of the listing. The reason is simple: there are buyers
out there who have seen everything available and for one reason or
another, haven't bought. They are just waiting for something new to come
on the market.

3. When that new property does hit the market, buyers and agents both will
scramble to look at it. It is common knowledge that the property will
usually sell for the highest price during this time. After the initial
surge of interest, the only people to look at it will be those buyers new
to the marketplace.

4. Make your home look and feel like a builder's model home. Everything
should look like it belongs even if it means storing some things until the
home is sold. You are trying to create a feeling that makes potential
buyers want to move in.

5.Don't wait to see if the house will sell first before making repairs or
replacing items. Once you do decide to do something, don't do just the easy
ones or just the bare minimum.

6. The property needs to look good from the street, up the sidewalk, on
the front porch, throughout the house, in the darkest closets, and even in
the attic. You definitely want to give the impression of a well cared for
home.

7. You want the prospective buyer to feel that this home is quality all
the way through, not just on the surface.

8. You are competing with every other home that is currently for sale: new
and pre-owned, your area and other areas, those listed with agents and
those trying to sell themselves; even with the foreclosures in the market.

9. Your property must appeal to owner occupants who will pay the highest
price for the property because they are going to live there as their home.

10. Typical buyers put all of their savings into the down payment and
closing costs and don't have anything left over to improve the home such
as replacing old, worn-out things. Those buyers will have to live with
that carpet until they can afford to replace it.

11. If buyers have a choice of two comparable properties similar in price,
they'll choose the one in the best condition. Just as on the other hand,
if two properties are similar in condition, the buyers will choose the one
that is less money.

12. Stand at the street and look at the house. If all you can see are
trees and shrubs, you have some yard work to do. One of the easiest things
to do is trim the shrubs that are overgrown. They should be lowered to a
height near the bottom of the windows. If there is ivy growing on the side
of the home, remove it.

13. If there are tree branches hanging low in the yard, they need to be
pruned. A simple rule of thumb is to have all the limbs high enough so
that you can walk under the tree.

14. Invest in a few flats of flowers such as petunias or periwinkles that
will last the entire growing season. They will add color and beauty to the
front of your home. Consider putting some nice looking flower pots on the
porch with red geraniums or some other blooming plants in them.

15. Look at the front door and the area around it. Give it a fresh coat of
paint. If the doorbell is broken, replace it. Wash the mail box. Keep the
porch swept. Get an attractive mat for people to wipe their feet.

16. Air out the home. You are the last person to notice any peculiar odor
in your home that may be blatantly obvious to visitors. If you do notice an odor,
go on a search to find the offender. It may be a kitty litter box or a dog bed. It might
even be a mildewed shower.

17. Wash all the windows in the house, inside and out. While you're at it,
clean the window sills and the bottom of the window jambs, and wash the
blinds.

18. If it has been over a year since you've had the carpets cleaned, now
is the time to do it. The bare floors should also be waxed or polished,
even if they're supposed to be "no wax."

19. Put bright light bulbs in every socket made for a bulb. Buyers like
"bright and cheery" so you have to keep it from looking like a dungeon.
You'll also want to keep the drapes and shades open during the day, even
 if you're not in the habit, because it will make the property look better.

20. Clean out all of the closets, cabinets, and drawers. Get rid of things
you haven't used in the past five years. Pack up everything that you
haven't used in the last year.

21. Closets should look as they have enough room to hold additional items.
You might need to box up off-season clothes to make it look that way. Get
everything off the floor and don't have the shelves piled to the ceiling.

22. Even though it may be inconvenient, you will be far better off by
selecting the furniture pieces that look best and putting the others in
the garage, basement, or better yet, in storage. You can rent a
mini-warehouse for a few dollars a month.

23. Go over the kitchen like a health inspector. Clean the oven and keep
it that way, even if it means eating out more often. After cleaning the
range, put new drip pans under the burners, or at least, cover the old
ones with foil. Clean around the seal of the door of the dishwasher.

24. Bath tubs, showers and sinks should be freshly caulked. All the grout
should be clean and in good condition. There are excellent cleaners that
will do the job without tons of scrubbing. There should be no leaks in the
faucets or traps.

25. Keep children's toys out of the front yard and off the sidewalks and
front porch. Get the teenagers and children to understand the importance
of keeping the house looking good while it is on the market. Take down the
posters until the house is sold.

26. Clean the ashes out of the fireplace during the season that it isn't
being used.

27. Be sure there is a light in the attic so it is easy and safe for
 people to walk.

28. If you don't have time for a garage sale, consider donating things to
charity. Make a list of all the items and their estimated value, and be
sure to get a receipt. The donation is tax deductible and may be worth
more to you than the time and effort you'd put into a garage sale.

29. The pool needs to be sparkling and free of leaves.

30. Gain maximum exposure by calling Phil Smart to see his Marketing
Plan for your home.

For all your real estate needs call:
Phil Smart
Carlson GMAC Real Estate
603-472-7300 ext. 322
www.HomeFinderNH.com