1. Less is more – remove enough so that there is some empty space in closets, on shelves, and in cabinets.
2. Remove or hide all small kitchen appliances and clutter on the countertops.
3. Remove all refrigerator art, pictures, magnets, calendars, etc.
4. Pack up all personal photos, people need to be able to themselves in your home.
5. Remove personal necessity items from bathroom and enclosed showers… shampoo, toothpaste, hairbrushes, dirty towels, etc. Put them in a basket that is easy to hide.
6. Remove and store seasonal clothes from closets, this is a good time to donate any of your old clothes and shoes to good will.
7. Rent a storage space if possible. Remove all visible storage boxes from closets, basement and garage.
8. Remove some furniture to open up the rooms. A good rule of thumb, consider eliminating half of all furniture and accessories.
9. Remove dated or worn furnishings and accessories. Display only updated new looking items, new couch and chairs covers may come in handy, even a decorative pillow.
10. Remember the rule, “One will do”. When accessorizing surfaces, remember that for staging purposes one item is better than two or more. One vase or clock on a fireplace mantle shows off your home better that two or three items.
11. Use mirrors generously. A mirror at the end of a long hallway makes the home look larger and relieves any cramped feeling. A mirror opposite the bathroom vanity pushes walls back and makes small bathrooms larger.
12. Paint the interior of the house and the front door. A fresh coat of paint makes a room look new.
13. Repair, paint, or wash all exterior walls, doors, and trim.
14. Power-wash exterior concrete and other outdoor areas. Remember this will be the first thing buyers will see.
15. Replace worn, stained carpeting and cracked floor tiles. Be sure that any remaining carpet, drapery or upholstery holds absolutely no odors.
16. Wash the windows, inside and out. Remove unnecessary screening.
17. Arrange a minimum number of towels in bathroom racks and put out fresh soap.
18. Inside, use fresh flowers in vases. Decorate outside with planters and potted plants.
19. Decorate the patio or deck with flowerpots and enough furniture to show that it is usable living space.
20. Furnish covered porches with small outdoor tables and chairs to turn them into obvious living spaces.
21. Make sure the landscaping is well kept and the grass is maintained. T
22. Air the home by opening windows and doors and try not to cook before showing. No one wants to smell what you ate for lunch or last night for dinner.
23. No drips! Repair all plumbing, faucets, running toilets. You will have to repair these items after a home inspection, if you can fix them first you are better off.
24. Clean or repair/replace worn caulking around tubs, sinks, counter tops.
25. Deep-clean entire house, oven, fireplace, garage, etc.
26. Enhance fireplace firebox with candles or decorative logs.

I know the list is long here and as a seller you may not get around to everything, but this gives you a good starting point of what buyers are going to expect to see when they are looking for a new home. Although your home is not new for you, take into concideration that this will be a new home for the buyer. If the work is too much for you to do yourself, or you just can’t figure out where to start, I can refer you to a great home stager who will meet with you and give you suggestions on staging your home.

If you are looking to sell your home in the Northern Illinois Suburbs or you have any questions about staging your home contact me, Marina Jacobson at 847-510-5009 or email me at Marina@marinajacobsonhomes.com. I am a professional Real Estate Agent working out of Koenig and Strey in Glenview and I can help you get your home SOLD. For more real estate information visit my website www.MarinaJacobsonHomes.com.

The Obama administration has announced that it is revamping its foreclosure-prevention efforts. Here is how the changes may affect you right here in Glenview, Northbrook and the surrounding areas

Here’s a good guide.

Glenview, Northbrook, Morton Grove Foreclosure Changes

New Short Sale Guidance

To make it more attractive for the services to accept a sale on defaulted properties for less than the outstanding mortgage balance, the US  Treasury is offering incentive payments of $1,000 per completed short sale. Services will also receive $1,000 for each deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.  Read More…

The Approach
The first few seconds, when your Realtor drives up to the house with a potential buyer can literally make or break a sale. Make certain that the first things to come into view the lawn, the sidewalk, the landscaping are neat and attractive. In cold weather, the walkways should be clear of snow and ice.

The Entry
The front entry area and front door should be warm and inviting. The area should be swept clean, and the door itself should be in good repair (painted, if necessary). A seasonally decorative touch, such as a wreath during the holiday season can set the proper inviting tone.

The View
Windows should be clean and sparkling in order to maximize the light entering the home and to provide an inviting scene from the exterior. Keep curtains and window coverings open whenever possible to achieve a bright, open effect.

The Surroundings
Faded or worn paint or papers on the walls and ceilings can create a drab effect throughout the interior and will leave an impression in the buyer’s mind that is hard to erase. Spruce up, paint up, and touch up.

The Furnishings
A cluttered look makes every room seem smaller than it really is. Remove extra furnishings wherever possible to give your home a clean, simple appearance. Remember, the buyer is trying to visualize how their furniture will fit in the home. Make it as easy as possible.

Storage
One of the first things a typical buyer looks for is adequate closet and storage space. Maximize the size of your closets by removing excess items and neatly arranging those items that remain.

Bathrooms and Kitchen
These areas should be clean and spotless. No matter how relaxed a housekeeper the buyers may be in their present home, they will invariably downgrade the desirability of a home if the kitchen and baths are less than spotless. Make sure everything shines!

Fix The Little Things
Loose door knobs, doors that don’t close all the way, screens off the track, and cracked window panes are all a part of everyday life except when you’re selling your house. Little things undone can suggest neglect to a fussy buyer. For top dollar, it’s smart to fix these items.

Shed Light On Dark Areas
Whenever possible, make sure the lamps are turned on in areas of the house that appear dark. Also, turn on lights in the basement, attic, and other areas the buyer will want to see. Once the above items have been addressed, leave the selling to the agent. Agents know what your house has to offer and what these particular buyers are looking for. Agents also know how to sell. We recommend that seller’s excuse themselves during showings so that prospective buyers feel comfortable expressing themselves.