The first impression is very important
Sealed driveway, weed-free driveway and walkways, healthy, weed-free, and trimmed lawn, and trimmed trees and shrubs are a must. Wash front steps and porch, check front doorbell, clean or replace welcome mat, repair and repaint fences and gates, clean gutters and downspouts. Clean or repaint siding, wash windows and screens and clean shutters.

General
The buyer would rather see how great your home really looks than picture it how great it could look "with a little work." Remove clutter, remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners, remove paint splash on floor and cabinets, clean and polish door hardware and handrails, clean wall switches and outlet covers, clean and tidy basement and attic storage, add plants and flowers throughout the house. Check faucets and light bulbs. Open the blinds and drapes in daytime and turn on all the lights in the evening for an inviting atmosphere.

A few hours of work can speed up the sale
Clean up the living room, the family room, the dining room. Repaint or touch up walls, ceiling and trim, repair or replace damaged molding, clean and wax hardwood and vinyl floors, shampoo carpet.

Make the bathrooms shine
Paint or wallpaper using light colors, scrub tile, bleach, and repair grout, check to see that drawers/doors open easily, clean the floor, clean out medicine cabinet, seal around tubs and showers, replace old toilet seats, replace shower window curtains, put out a set of color coordinated bath linens.

Clean up the kitchen
Paint or wallpaper walls and ceiling with light color, clean the floor, clean cabinets and appliances, clean out refrigerator and wash interior, empty dishwasher and clean around controls, check operation of all appliances, arrange and clean food storage areas, clean out cabinets and drawers, neatly display dishes in cabinets, clear clutter from counter tops, check to see that drawers/doors open easily, wash or replace curtains.

Create cozy and comfortable bedrooms
Repaint or touch up walls, ceiling and trim. Shampoo the carpet. To create a spacious look, clear all excess bedroom furniture. Clean drapes and bedspread, clean out all closets -the better organized a closet, the larger it appears- and put away all clothing. It is also the best time to consider donating all the unwanted items.

Laundry room
Check operation of appliances, clean all appliances, clean and organize laundry area and make sure you provide adequate light to area.

Garage
Check operation of wall sockets, remove oil and grease from floor, clean and organize storage, maintain noisy garage door opener.

BUYING A HOME

7 Reasons to Own Your Own Home

1. Tax breaks
The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, property taxes you pay, and some of the costs involved in buying your home.

2. Equity
Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity ownership interest in your home.

3. Savings
Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan. And when you sell, you can generally take up to $250,000 ($500,000 for a married couple) as gain without owing any federal income tax.

4. Predictability
Unlike rent, your mortgage payments don’t go up over the years so your housing costs may actually decline as you own the home longer. However, keep in mind that property taxes and insurance costs will rise.

5. Freedom
The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and be able to benefit from your investment for as long as you own the home.

6. Stability
Remaining in one neighborhood for several years gives you a chance to participate in community activities, lets you and your family establish lasting friendships, and offers your children the benefit of educational continuity.

10 Steps to Prepare for Homeownership

1. Decide how much home you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income.

2. Develop a wish list of what you’d like your home to have. Then prioritize the features on your list.

3. Select three or four neighborhoods you’d like to live in. Consider items such as schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety.

4. Determine if you have enough saved to cover your downpayment and closing costs. Closing costs, including taxes, attorney’s fee, and transfer fees average between 2 percent and 7 percent of the home price.

5. Obtain a copy of your credit report.

6. Determine how large a mortgage you can qualify for and explore different loans options to decide for the best one.

7. Organize all the documentation a lender will need to pre approve you for a loan.

8. Do research to determine if you qualify for any special mortgage or downpayment-assistance programs.

9. Calculate the costs of homeownership, including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and association fees, if applicable.

10. Find an experienced REALTOR® who can help you through the process