Top 10 things to do before you list your home for sale

Preparing your home for sale is more than just fresh paint and new carpet. You need to pick up, put away and declutter. This list will help to get you started:

• 10. Personal photos. I don't always recommend removing family photos, but if you have a wall full and pictures on every table then it’s time to start packing some away. Buyers get very distracted with too many photos of family.

• 9. Personal items. That could be bills, contracts, letters and even notes. While most buyers don’t intent to look at personal information, it’s best to keep temptation out of sight.

• 8. Money. It would be nice to believe that everyone who came through your home was honest. It’s best to keep spare change, wallets and purses out of sight. That is the best way to not tempt those who are not trustworthy.

• 7. Valuables. Jewelry, watches, valuable antiques.... anything that might be worth a bit of money that you wouldn't want to lose. Out of sight, out of mind.

• 6. Guns. Even if they are secured in a lock cabinet or box it’s best to remove all guns from the home.

• 5. Shoes. Remove the shoes from the front door. It helps to de-clutter the appearance and doesn’t give the impression that there isn’t room for them in the closet.

• 4. Medicine. If you have unused medicines remove them. If you are required to take a medicine be sure they are in a secure location and not in the medicine cabinet. There have been many complaints over the years of potential buyers 'stealing' the medicine out of the cabinets.

• 3. Clear your kitchen counter. Having so many items on the counters gives the impression that there is not enough storage space.

• 2. De-junk your cabinets & drawers. Buyers open both cabinet doors and drawers. De-junk them so it gives the feel of space and organization.

• 1. The Refrigerator. Get rid of all the distraction on the refrigerator. Save all the kids art work in a scrap book not on the refrigerator. While you’re de-cluttering the exterior do the same for the interior. Get rid of any science project and be sure the inside is free of spills and smells. Then wipe down the exterior so it is free of hand marks.

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