PREPARING YOUR PROPERTY

With buyers, first impressions count. A small investment in time and money will give your home an edge over other listings in the area when the time comes to show it to a prospective buyer.

Here are some suggestions that will help you get top market value:

GENERAL MAINTENANCE _ Oil squeaky doors _ Tighten doorknobs _ Replace burned out lights _ Clean and repair windows _ Touch-up chipped paint _ Repair cracked plaster _ Repair leaking taps and toilets	CURB APPEAL _ Cut lawn _ Trim shrubs and plants _ Weed and edge gardens _ Pick up any litter _ Clear walk and driveway _ Repair gutters and eaves _ Touch-up exterior paint
SPIC AND SPAN _ Shampoo carpets _ Clean washer, dryer and tubs _ Clean fridge and stove _ Clean furnace _ Clean and freshen bathrooms _ Keep pets outdoors	THE BUYING ATMOSPHERE _ Be absent during showings _ Turn on all lights _ Light fireplace _ Open drapes during the day _ Play quiet background music
THE SPACIOUS LOOK _ Clear stairs and halls _ Store excess furniture _ Clear counters and stove _ Make closets neat and tidy	THE FIRST IMPRESSION _ Clean and tidy entrance _ Functional doorbell _ Polish door hardware