Movin’ Up: Making the Most of Your Home Presented by: [ASSOCIATION, BROKER or REALTOR® NAME] [Date]

Welcome! Today’s Agenda: How to make your home look its best Sell it faster Get the best price REALTORS®: Here to help!

How Much Should You Spend? • Plan to spend but not overspend • “The least expensive home in the best neighborhood” • Focus on small investments that give a big return

Depersonalize Your Home • Detach yourself • Visit model/new construction homes to see how professionals “dress” the home to appeal to the broadest possible audience • You’re not losing yourself…you’re selling your house • Depersonalize the house: remove most family photographs and personal collections that can distract the buyer

Look Outside • You never get a second chance to make a first impression—make it a good one! • Take inventory: how can you emphasize the home’s best features and minimize or improve its worst features? • Enhance your home’s exterior and curb appeal • Light up the home and walkways

Clear Out the Clutter • Invite a friend to help; ask him or her to be ruthless! • Go through each room and divide belongings into four categories: - Keep - Sell - Give away - Throw away • Hold a garage sale; donate the unsold items and your “give away” items to a thrift shop • If necessary, make your rooms look larger by moving part of your furniture into a storage unit

Clean, Clean, Clean • Give the house a deep cleaning, from top to bottom, front to back: windows, floors, ceilings, floors, closets…everything • Always keep the sink free of dirty dishes • Put out clean bath towels every day • Hire a cleaning service to come in every two weeks until the house sells • Before leaving the house each day, make sure the house is spotless and shining, ready to show

Color Your World • Check your personal tastes at the door • Choose light, neutral colors for walls • Add splashes of color with accessories, pillows, flowers, drapes

Finish Your DIY Projects • Let buyers know that you have taken good care of your home • Fix minor maintenance problems

Remember: The Nose Knows • Clean carpets • Eliminate pet odors (and pets too, if necessary) • Avoid cooking strong-smelling foods; bake cookies or bread instead • Get rid of mildew and mold

REALTORS® Are Here to Help! • While you’re waiting for your house to sell, find a REALTOR® to help you find your next home • Interview several REALTORS®; ask friends, family and neighbors for recommendations • Learn what a REALTOR® can do for you

Thank You for Coming! • Questions? • Please fill out Meeting Evaluation Form • Let’s work together to find or sell your home!