Has your home been on the market too long?

Are you one of those homeowners who has been waiting for 6 months or even a year to be matched with a buyer? You've priced your home competitively, but the magic still doesn't happen.

Consider the importance of first impressions and take the time to prepare your home for a favorable showing.

Try these steps, and see if they make a difference in homebuyer interest:
1. Get rid of that clutter. If you must keep all those knicknacks, pictures, and fake flower arrangements; consider getting a storage unit, and get that clutter out of sight. Move excessive furniture out that is making your home look crowded. Permit buyers to get around and really see your home's features.
2. Think about curb appeal. Is your yard mowed, and are your shrubs trimmed? Is there trash or toys around your home? Clean it up, and give your yard a fresh appearance.
3. Clean house. Make sure the spots are off the carpet, vinyl and tile. Clean countertops, and scrub toilets and tubs. Make your home sparkle!
4. Repair obvious items and some that aren't so obvious. Some buyers climb in the crawl space and attic. Some repairs are simple and quick. Get help from a handyman if you need it, but get your home ready for move-in condition.
5. Assure lighting shows off your home's features. Do you need to paint in neutral colors and take down heavy drapes? The buyers need to envision themselves in your home.

Ask your realtor and friends that have successfully sold their homes for honest criticism. They just might have the hints that will make a difference and move your home off the market and into the right buyer's hands!

Tidy Your Home Quickly for a Better Showing!

Realtor.Org recently posted tips from the Chicago Tribune on how to tidy a home quickly. If you have potential buyers arriving within the hour, bring improved order to a messy home for a better showing to potential buyers. This is according to Julie Edelman, author of "The Accidential Housewife..."

How do you accomplish this within an hour? Try these tips:

1. Target the bathroom. Clean the sink, toilet, mirror and floor with disinfectant wipes. Empty the trash. Use toilet bowl cleaner or drop a denture cleanser into the toilet and let it fizz for 20 minutes - then flush.
2. Salvage the kitchen. Clear off the countertops. Put your dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Spray a clean smelling multipurpose spray on the counter tops and wipe down.
3. Pick up Debris. Get rid of clutter in the living room, and put it in a bag you can hide in the bedroom closet . Sort it out later.
4. Vacuum everywhere.

Oye! Now you have some order in your home, and a clean smelling one at that!

No need to panic if potential home buyers are on there way within the hour. Utilize these tips to show your home in a better light and provide an improved opportunitiy for a sale!