Jeri Creson

Attention to detail says: "This house has been maintained all along" Little things ilke peeling paint at the doorway, untended garden, floors that don't shine, or carpet that has pet odors are big turn offs.

Paint is the number one fix. Cleaning - scouring the little corners and details is very important. The curb appeal, walk to the door and everything you can see while standing there will set the "tone" of expectations. Did you know most buyers already have decided what the inside will look like before the door is unlocked? Once inside, they will find reasons to support their original assumption. In other words, if by their approach, everything they've seen so far tells them to expect a neat freak and impeccable maintenance, they'll see how it's mostly clean, and forgive a few "hairs out of place". On the other hand, if their initial impression says, "deferred maintenance", they will notice every single boo boo, torn screen, chipped woodwork, etc.

Walk through your house like a stranger… does it look like a happy, healthy, fun loving and successful person lives here? It should, if you want to sell for top dollar. People psychologically move in when they tour homes. A house should say to them, "hey I can be this really cool, happy and successful person, if only I live here…." You don't want your house to say to them, "Please rescue me…I know I need a lot of work, but I'm lonely here!" - Wed May 16, 2012