| So you are selling your home and need a little | | | | causing "unpleasant" odors. Getting rid of smells can |
| guidance on getting it ready for the droves of | | | | be tricky as they weave their way into everything, |
| interested buyers that will be coming to see what | | | | the furniture, bedspreads and mattresses, clothing, |
| you have to offer? No problem. Getting a home | | | | drapes, well you get the idea. Airing out the home is |
| ready for shows is a pretty simple thing. All it really | | | | a good way to start. Open all the doors and |
| takes is some planning and careful execution, a bit of | | | | windows and turn on any fans that you have. This |
| time, and maybe a few bucks but the end result is | | | | should get the air circulating and help the odor |
| amazing when done properly. You may even wonder | | | | situation. Remember that simply "masking" odors with |
| why you are selling the home in the first place! It | | | | flowery sprays will not solve the problem. Washing |
| funny, some people are amazed at how different | | | | and cleaning anything that may hold odor is the way |
| their home looks when all is said and done. | | | | to go. |
| All right, let's get down to business. The first thing | | | | Let's think about things that send up red flags to |
| that you will have to consider is cleanliness. Now, you | | | | buyers. Wallpaper from the 1970's, old appliances |
| may say "but my home is already clean!" This might | | | | perhaps also from the 70's. Old carpets and |
| be true, but go and have a look at a new | | | | scratched wood floors are another things that buyers |
| construction show home, how clean is your home | | | | don't really like to see. Buyers are looking for new |
| compared to that? It's alright that your home has | | | | fixtures and modern (or at least new) looking |
| some mess in it, it is to be expected. After all, | | | | appliances and such. Old stuff does not really help a |
| nobody lives in a show home and you likely have a | | | | home to sell. Another good idea is to repaint the |
| whole family in yours right? Ever heard the term | | | | walls in a nice neutral shade such as beige or cream. |
| "white glove?" Well put one on and go around your | | | | It may seem boring but it is much easier to sell a |
| home seeking dust and clean anywhere you find it. | | | | home with beige walls than a home with green or |
| The next thing you may want to consider is odor. | | | | blue walls. Leave the extra decorating to the new |
| There are any number of variables that can factor | | | | owners, they likely will have plans for their purchase |
| into the smell that a home has. If you are a smoker | | | | anyway. |
| then this is a huge one. Pets are also great for | | | | |