You don't get a second chance to make a good first impression. Most buyers will drive past, have a general look around the area and if they like what they see, make further enquiries. Most buyers will look for homes that are well cared for and clean. Some of course will still be looking for the bargain "renovator's delight", or the worst house in the best street.

Below are a few tips on presenting your home for sale. Your Seniors Real Estate^® Affiliate will no doubt be able to provide you with more ideas when they appraise your property.

Remove rubbish, mow lawns,edge paths,trim hedges and shrubs and don't forget those weeds in the garden beds.

Paint, fix or wash railings,steps,wire screens and front door. Wash windows/doors, touch up paint where necessary and generally clean up

Remove all unneccessary clutter to give a wide appearance

Stove, refrigerator and sink should be spotless, and all work bench space clear.

Tidy and made up with clothes all neatly put away

Untidy or over crowded cupboards suggest inadequate storage space. This is the time to clean out unwanted items or put them into temporary storage. Eventually you are going to have to pack them up for transport anyway. Maybe this is also an ideal opportunity to pass some items on to others, like the grand-children who are just starting out with a place of their own.

Neat, clean and fresh is the order of the day. Make sure the tile grout is clean, and if necessay it can be lightly raked out and re-done. If in doubt engage the services of a qualified tiler. It's not a big job but will enhance the appearance dramatically.

Store unneccessary furniture to "enlarge" room sizes. Make the home feel spacious rather than cluttered. If you are downsizing and simply cannot take all your items with you, consider passing them on to other family members now rather than later, or help those less fortunate than yourself. Many charities will willingly oblige.

A great way to clean out unwanted furniture and knick-knacks. Remember..."one person's trash is another's treasure". Let the grandchildren, nieces and nephews get involved and help them out with their pocket money.

Your Seniors Real Estate^® Affiliate will be probably be able to help out with pointer signs on the day and advise on the best way to advertise your garage sale.

Have the appropriate unit operating to demonstrate how warm it can be in Winter, or cool in Summer.

Replace any blown globes, and repair any faulty switches. A neglected small repair may cast doubts in other's minds about the integrity of the whole electrical system, particularly in an older property.

Repair leaking toilets and dripping taps.