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We have sold five homes, four within a few days, and two within 24 hours of listing them. We used a realtor only twice. The secret to a quick sale? Think like a buyer.

FIX IT
Repairs are the most crucial, even before aesthetics. Make sure every light switch works, every doorknob turns, the toilets flush correctly, cabinet doors hang straight and close properly, light bulbs are changed, and your drains flow freely. Walk through your home with a critical eye as if you were the buyer: Does the garage door work? Do all windows open, close, and lock? Is the glass cracked? Is the carpet tacked down? Are thresholds and weather stripping in place? Do the appliances work? Do closet doors open and close properly? Are there any gas leaks or water leaks? Look for anything that needs repairing, even down to nail holes in the wall.

If major repairs are needed, reduce the price accordingly or get the work done before you put the house up for sale. Neglect speaks volumes to a potential buyer, and conversely, good upkeep speaks volumes.

CLEAN IT
Nothing impresses a potential buyer initially like a sparkling-clean, fresh-smelling home. Scrub everything. Polish wood with an orange-scented oil; straighten and dust open bookshelves and display cases; thin out your closets and storage areas; haul away clutter, and go for an "open and airy" look. Reduce art pieces, displays, and knick knacks to a bare minimum. Look inside laundry cabinets and clean up any spills; straighten junk drawers, remove unused dishes, bedding, suitcases, board games, and craft items. Box up a good portion of your belongings and rent a storage unit, but get all clutter out of your house. Bulging closets and cabinets make a negative impression. Odors must also be eliminated. Scrub the litter box and change it daily; pour bleach down the drains a day or two before a showing, and empty trash every day. Floors are the final dressing and can ruin the look of a clean room, so be sure to sweep and mop or vacuum every floor. Leave no dustbunny behind! Treat heavy stains on carpeting (I use "Resolve" carpet cleaner), and scrub up any latex paint spills ("Oops" works very well). Make sure the garage and storage sheds are thinned out, organized, and swept. Coil garden hoses, store rakes and tools, pick up children's toys, and clear the yard of leaves, branches, and any trash. Mow the grass, trim the hedges, and edge the sidewalks before showing the house.

LIGHT IT AND PERFUME IT
Certain smells can be powerful aids in selling your home. Home-baked bread, pumpkin pie, cinammon rolls, or fresh-baked cookies are irresistable smells. Just be sure to clean the kitchen and display your homemade goodies on a glass cake plate. If you don't have the time to bake, light vanilla candles about an hour before your buyer arrives. Then, just before the showing, turn all the lights on in your house, basement and garage included, and make sure everything is in its place.

You are on your way to a sale!

Learn more about this author, Janet Mcleod.
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