How To Prepare For Your Visit From Bella Casa Marketing LLC

Bella Casa Marketing asks that you take some time to prepare for our visit.

One Week Out:

5. 1.) Make sure you have the trees and shrubs trimmed. If you need any part of the exterior painted this would be a good time.
   2.) Consolidate everything in your house.  Yes it is a huge task but the less personal property you have in a room the larger it appears.  Ask your agent for specific recommendations to improve the appearance of your home decorating wise. 
   3.) Remove all your personal photos and art work that you do not want people to see.  Elizabeth Weintraub of about.com says that you must De-Personalize. Pack up those personal photographs and family heirlooms. Buyers can't see past personal artifacts, and you don't want them to be distracted. You want buyers to imagine their own photos on the walls, and they can't do that if yours are there! You don't want to make any buyer ask, "I wonder what kind of people live in this home?" You want buyers to say, "I can see myself living here."
   4.) Make those repairs that you have been putting off.  That closet door that you have to pull up to get it to close.  It is a sign of neglect and one little thing can make a potential buyer think that there may be larger items unattended to behind every corner.  Hire a handyman if necessary.

Two Days Out:

1. 1.) Get fresh flowers to place around the house.  On the Dining Room table, on the entry way table, even on the bedroom dresser.  It makes a big impression.
   2.) Have the house cleaned all over.  Bathrooms should shine, carpets vacuumed, windows wiped, wood polished, and all the doors and base boards cleaned thoroughly.
   3.) Wash the windows.  Many times the view out your window can sell a home.  Also the added light from a clean window helps as well.  We recommend removing the screens from your windows to make it look brighter and cleaner. Place all your screens in one location in the garage or basement.
   4.) Make sure all garbage cans, hoses, garden tools etc. are put away.
   5.) Remove your “cute” yard decorations like garden gnomes and animals.
   6.) Replace any light bulbs that are out.
   7.) Remove any decorations or magnets that are on the fridge.
   8.) The lawn should be mowed the day before or two days before your photo shoot.  Go the extra distance this time and have them edge everywhere and trim any plants, shrubs or bushes.  Have them plant some flowers in a few prime locations.

The Day Of Your Photo Shoot:

1. 1.) Remove any cars from the driveway.
   2.) Make all the beds.
   3.) Clean off the counters in the Kitchen and Bathrooms ( make them almost bare)
   4.) Turn all the lights on and open all your blinds just before the photographer arrives.
   5.) Make sure the kitchen sink is empty and all dishes are put away.
   6.) Remove any “clutter” inside the home, and put away toys, clothing, dishes, towels, etc.
   7.) Take the trash out of every room in the house and hide the trash cans as best you can.

When all the hard work is done you will see the difference.  Unfortunately, you may want to stay in your house after you see it in all its clean de-cluttered splendor.   However, it’s time to sell and your house is ready.