A.      There are several steps you can take to not only shorten the sale time of your home, but also help it sell for greater value.  The one “mistake” sellers often make is failing to see their home from the perspective of a potential buyer.  Here are a few helpful tips to think about:
·        First, make your home available for showings.  This sounds obvious, but one of the most frequent complaints of REALTORS representing buyers is they can’t get proper access to the home.
·        Next, realize that “first impressions are lasting ones.”  Drive up to your home as a prospective buyer would.  What does the home look like from the street?  Is the front yard manicured?  Are trees cut back?  Pay particular attention to your entry area. 
·        Next, get rid of clutter.  The way you live in a home, and the way you sell a home are two very different things.  So eliminate those knick-knacks, ceramic thimbles, and other distractions from the true features of your home.  The less “clutter,” the better.
·        Next, remember that buyers are attracted to your home because of the “lifestyle benefits” they perceive they’ll get living there.  They’re looking for a “home” not a “house.”  So highlight those special features. A few areas to think about are the entry impression, the kitchen, master bedroom, and the master bath.  Make sure everything is light and bright.
·        Next, fix problems ahead of time.  Consider getting a home inspection before you list or show the home.  This will root out any problems and give your home a documented “clean bill of health” to speed the sale.
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