SOUND OFF

A: With listing homes, it’s like going out on a date. You have to get your hair cut, your shoes shined and your suit pressed.

The first thing is to unclutter the house. Get rid of the clutter in your closet space the best you can.

You want it to appear that you have a lot of closet space. Get all items up from the floor of the closet.

Also, remove of all personal pictures of family and friends. When buyers look at your home and see those pictures, they might wonder, “Is that so-and-so’s cousin?” “She looks familiar…”, then they lose focus on the house and concentrate on those photos.

It is the same with clutter or anything else that distracts with the listing home.

Also, rent some storage if you have too much furniture. You don’t want any hint of trails in your home. You want an open, spacious feeling.

When it is shown, make sure the windows covers are open. If the front door needs stained or re-painted, do it.

You should have the lawn properly groomed, your exterior kept up and patio or porch powered washed. If not, it gives the appearance that the house is dated.

Have a friend or neighbor walk through the house to notice if there’s any pet or smoke odor. If there is, take care of it immediately. These are basic, yet important things that can be done but sometimes sellers overlook.

— Weldon Rigby, Weldon Rigby Realtors, Inc.