I showed four homes this weekend, one of which was my La Canada Craftsman listing.  Two of the homes shown were poorly prepared. What does that mean?  How we live in a home is not how we sell it.  An example:

At my home (which fortunately is not on the market):
The Sunday LA Times is still scattered all over the table, my kitchen floor has crumbs on it and the sink is dirty.  My kitchen "smells" like bacon and eggs and is a general mess. I shopped at Pasadena's Container Store yesterday and the shopping bags are still by the front door, where I left them. 

This wasn't really this weekend's problem (mess & clutter and a little dirt )  The problem with two of the homes shown were lack of light.  A very simple and easy fix.

The least prepared home had every window covering closed, and every light off - this home has been on the market for over six months and has had three (50k) price reductions - seems like it would be less expensive to turn on the lights!!!

Here are some quick tips on getting your home in show condition:

1. When the agent arrives with the potential buyers, have the window coverings open to let in as much sunlight as possible (unless an ugly view shouldn't be highlighted).  At nighttime, be sure that all of your outdoor lights are on, particularly any landscape or pool lights.  Indoor lights – all of them should be on day or night.  I have never had a buyer claim– “it is too bright”.  

2. Open doors between rooms to give an inviting and open feeling. Turn the television off. Have the thermostat set to a comfortable temperature.  In winter, a fire in the fireplace is inviting - you want the buyers imagining themselves living in your home.

3. Pick up any newspapers, magazines and clutter that may be lying around. Your kitchen and bath counter tops should already have been cleared of all but the most basic necessities, make sure dirty dishes are not in sight.

4. If you have dogs, take them for a walk. Some people are afraid of pets; others love them and will remember your pet more than your home.

5. The beds should be made and clothes picked up (under the bed is a quick hiding place for all kinds of stuff). Bathrooms should be clean and the toilet lids down.

6. You never know when the right person is going to walk through your front door. Whenever you leave the house it should be in "show condition".  You as the home seller play a major role in achieving the highest possible price.

The above is a generalized “punch list”, your Realtor should provide you with specifics as to how best to “show off” your home.  AND if you don't have a Realtor, I may be available for the job