If they show up at a really bad time suggest they make an appointment. You can state this on the sign if necessary.

You may realize that when you move you will need to get rid of a lot of accumulated stuff. Now is the time. Old clothing, broken items you will not likely repair, excess furniture – have a garage sale or take them to secondhand shop. Not only will this improve the look of your home but it will make moving easier.

Consider lightening the load of your closets so they will look more spacious. Store excess or out of season clothing in boxes in another area of the home. Add a few empty hangers for the visual effect of having lots of room and try to add a light (even a battery operated one) to the inside of the closet.

If you have a yard you will have to clear it of debris, keep it mowed and do upkeep to the garden. Check the outside of your house for needed repairs such as missing shingles and loose boards or stones in traffic areas such as the patio, balcony or stairs. Consider some minor additions of shrubs or plants to improve the ‘curb appeal’.

Replace or repair torn screens and dim or burnt out bulbs. Make sure that your house number is visible even on a dark evening or buyers won’t be able to take note of the address or find your house for an appointment in the evening.

Do all you can to keep your home and yard looking well cared for. You and your family are no doubt very busy, but the extra attention is very important. First impressions count.

Getting the Details in Order

Before your house goes on the market there are some preliminary steps to take so your information is available and ready when you are preparing your advertising, answering questions from buyers and filling out the details for the sale.

Measure

Even if you have the measurements that were provided when you bought the home you should take them again. Mistakes happen and you don’t want to be caught passing on false information.

Don’t include non-living space: patios, garages, basements etc. These will be listed separately on your features list.

Measure from the outside surface of your walls. If you share a common wall (townhomes, rowhousing) measure from the center point of the shared wall. Measure the size of each room as well.

Materials

Is your home wood or concrete construction? Are the water pipes made of copper, iron or plastic? What is the exterior material used; stucco, brick, wood, plastic siding? What kind of insulation do you have? Is your home set up with a sewage system or septic tank? What kind of heating do you use; forced air, hot water, baseboards? Gas, electric or oil? What is the roof material; shingle, tile, tar and gravel?

If you can’t answer these questions, your inspector should be able to.

Describe the Style

Do you know what style of house you have?