1. FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE THE MOST LASTING.
Remember that when a prospect comes to look at your home, the first impression (curb appeal) is vital. Your front lawn and other landscaping should be neatly trimmed and mowed. Make certain that your yard is clean of refuse and leaves. The walk should be swept and, in winter, remove ice and snow from walk and steps. The front door must be clean and fresh looking, the doorbell in working order.

2. DECORATING FOR QUICKER SALE.
Faded walls and worn woodwork will reduce the appeal of your house. Why describe how your house could look ... when you can show how it looks with just a reasonable amount of redecoration. A minor investment in paint and wallpaper will pay bigger dividends to you in the form of a better price and quicker sale.

3. LET THE SUN SHINE IN.
Open the drapes and curtains. Clean the windows so that a prospect can see how bright and cheerful your house is. Dark and dreary rooms do not appeal to most home-buying prospects.

4. DON'T BE A DRIP.
Fix leaky faucets; dripping water suggests faulty or worn-out plumbing (major repair bills); discolored, rust-stained sinks are also warning signs, so should be properly cleaned.

5. LITTLE THINGS MEAN A LOT.
Loose door knobs or cabinet pulls, sticking doors and drawers, wobbly hinges, stuck windows - all are negative factors. Take a few minutes to check and repair all these seemingly minor flaws, since they do detract from the value of your house.

6. SAFETY FIRST.
Keep stairways and corridors clear and clean of clutter. In addition to being unattractive, clutter causes accidents.

7. TOP TO BOTTOM.
Let prospects see the full value of your attic, basement, garage and other utility/storage spaces by removing junk, cartons and other articles. Neatly stack cartons, etc. If the storage spaces are dark and dreary, a coat of paint or extra lighting can do wonders.

8. LOVE BIG CLOSETS!
We all love closets and you can make them look even bigger by having them clean, neat and well organized. Get rid of old clothes and cartons that take away from the spacious look.

9. BATHROOMS SELL HOMES.
Make bathrooms sparkle. Clean stained sinks and bowls, repair any damaged or discolored caulking around bathtubs and showers, be sure towels and area rugs are bright and sparkly, make certain all light fixtures and bulbs work.

10. WAKE UP YOUR BEDROOMS.
Keep bedrooms bright and cheerful, after the prospects are gone you can close the drapes. Remove excess furniture to avoid a crowded look, use attractive and colorful bed linens and spreads.

11. CAN YOU SEE THE LIGHT?
Illumination in your home can be the "welcome sign" for every prospect. Turn on all of the exterior and interior lights - including the accent and picture lights - when showing your home at night.

12. AVOID CROWDS.
Potential buyers will feel like an intruder and want to hurry through the inspection of your house if there are too many people around. Send the kids over to a neighbors or take then down to the ice cream store when the real estate agent shows your house.

13. SILENCE IS GOLDEN.
When showing your house, turn down, or off, radios or television sets. Let the salesperson and buyers talk freely without having to yell over the noise of a blaring radio.

14. PUT FIDO OUTSIDE.
Dog may be man's best friend, but not when showing your house. Keep all pets out of the way and not underfoot.

15. THIS IS NOT A SOCIAL CALL.
Be courteous and friendly, but don't try to force conversation with potential buyers. They are there to inspect your house, not to be social. Let the salesperson do the talking.

16. STAY IN THE BACKGROUND.
The salesperson knows what the buyers need and are looking for, and can best describe and emphasize the best features of you house. DON'T TAG ALONG. If there are any questions; the salesperson will ask you for information.

17. BE IT EVER SO HUMBLE.
There's no place like you home. You live in it, so don't apologize for the appearance of the house. If something out of the ordinary should happen to mess-up the appearance, inform the salesperson when you are first called for the showing. Should any negative comments or objections be offered - back off - let the trained professional salesperson answer them.

18. THIS IS NOT A GARAGE SALE.
Don't try to sell the potential buyers any of the furniture or furnishings that you don't want to take with you. They haven't even bought your house yet - and you could foul-up the sale. These are details that can be discussed afterwards, so cool it.

19. LET A PROFESSIONAL DO IT.
Let our professional salespeople talk to the customer - about selling price, terms, possession date and other factors. Our salespeople have been specially trained and have the experience to bring negotiations on your house to a satisfactory conclusion.

20. BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
We recommend that your house be shown by appointment only. Through our office, we will schedule all showings, including those from other real estate offices. Your cooperation is needed to make certain the house is ready to show when called.

Selling your house is one of the most important financial transactions you will make. Like everyone else, you want to sell it for as much as you can get and as fast as possible. We feel the same way, and want to help you.

These Tips are provided at no cost or obligation, and are intended to assist you in avoiding the pitfalls that many other homeowners have encountered in the past.

If you're ready to sell your house, call us - we are ready to market it for you.

If buying or selling a home were easy, you wouldn't need a CENTURY 21 ®" office. Since we know it's not easy, you'll need the advantages that the number one real estate brand can provide. Our experience in Fuquay-Varina Real Estate and the surrounding areas is unrivaled.

With the CENTURY 21 Home Protection Plan, sellers gain a competitive edge. Studies show that homes listed with a home warranty have a 29% better chance of selling, plus they can sell 15% faster and for 2.2% more money than homes without a warranty.* The CENTURY 21 Home Protection Plan provides buyers peace of mind, knowing their home's systems and appliances are protected against the high cost of repairs for 12 full months. All they'll pay is just one low deductible per service call, and that's quite a savings.

Call today for more information on the CENTURY 21 Home Protection Plan.