
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, April 23, 1995                   TAG: 9505080007
SECTION: AMERICAN HOME WEEK                    PAGE: 4   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: KAY C. STRATTON
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

FIRST IMPRESSIONS REALLY DO COUNT

To paraphrase Will Rogers, "You never get a second chance at a first impression." This statement holds true in meeting people AND selling your home. If you're considering putting your home on the market, take this little quiz and then read on.

REALTORS advise you to make your home sparkle and to neutralize colors because:

1. They enjoy seeing beige and white all the time.

2. They know your home will sell in the least amount of time for the most money if you heed their advice.

3. Their advice is based on their personal tastes.

4. Their advice is based on customer responses, wants and needs.

(answer: 2 and 4 are correct!)

You have the most activity on your home in the first three to four weeks of the listing. Ready, willing and able buyers who have seen everything available on the market and are waiting for something new to come on the market. What will make them buy your home?

DRIVE UP APPEAL IS IMPORTANT: Trim the shrubs, prune trees, mow the grass, and put some potted flowers near the front entrance. Paint the front door. Make your house say "Welcome"!

THE ABSOLUTE BASICS: Wash the windows, clean the carpet, keep the kitchen and baths clean and uncluttered. Air out the house. Clean out closets and cabinets - show off that extra storage!

GOING THE EXTRA MILE: Put bright lights in every socket and open the blinds and drapes (not many buyers are into the "dungeon look")! Look at your furniture arrangement - are rooms and hallways too crowded? Clean ashes out of the fireplace or woodstove. Consider replacing dated wallpaper and carpet. Check for pet odors and remember to keep pets either outside or in a contained area for showings.

IT'S SHOW TIME: An appointment has been made and your house is going to be shown to prospective customers. Put that best foot forward - touch up the home - open the doors to rooms (make them inviting), put on some music ("elevator" style is best), pick up newspapers and any clutter, put dirty dishes in the dishwasher, take out the trash, make the beds

You never know when the right buyer will want to look at your home . . . when you leave during the day or for work, make certain it is in showing condition. If you follow these suggestions, your on-market time should be reduced considerably and you can sit back and relax.

To receive more indepth information, call your favorite REALTOR and request a video or publication that specifically addresses preparing your home for the market.

by CNB