Adding Value by Dennis O'Hagan

Six Keys to Selling Your Home in Today's Market...

Below is an OUTSTANDING article regarding "Selling Your Home In Today's Market.  We have Listed many homes since the first of this year and almost everyone of them have SOLD within the first week they were on the market.  Why?  Because they were decluttered, clean and move-in-ready... 

RISMEDIA, Monday, May 14, 2012— According to the National Association of Realtors®, more than 4.25 million homes sold in 2011. That's a lot of real estate and such numbers raise the question: How are sellers doing it?

"Because individual homes are unique, there isn't one single strategy that works equally well for every property," says Wendy Forsythe, the executive vice president of a real estate company. "The real trick is understanding that today's marketplace is cash driven, quick and highly competitive. Owners who understand their local markets and work with a knowledgeable agent are those most likely to succeed."

In March roughly one-third of all sales were cash, meaning a large number of buyers are not dependent on lender financing, the sale of their existing home or a settlement that might be 45 to 60 days in the future.

Instead, they can act quickly and in many cases seek properties which can be bought today and occupied tomorrow.

To ready a home for sale in today's marketplace, Forsythe says owners should consider six basic keys to selling success.

Six Keys to Success

1) Curb appeal counts. Most home buyers want homes which look great from the outside. It's not just a question of curb appeal -- it's about perception. If a home looks good from the street it probably means the property is ready for a new occupant without a lot of cost or hassle.

Buyers tend to pass on a home that doesn't appeal to them from the street -- not even bothering to look inside. An experienced local REALTOR® can show you how to generate the most curb appeal with the least cost.

2) A clutter-free home. With the new emphasis on cash sales and speed owners must show homes which are free and clear of clutter. A clutter-free home will make interior spaces look larger and eliminates the need to get rid of stuff when you are in the throes of moving. It makes sense to donate or reduce clutter before a home is placed on the market -- not only as a sales tactic but also as a practical step toward relocation.

3) Working condition. Having your home's systems in good mechanical condition is an advantage in today's market. Most distressed homes can't compete when it comes to such basics as working heating, plumbing and air-conditioning. Properties that can readily pass a professional home inspection are often easier to finance, and are generally more appealing to buyers who don't want to face the unknown costs and delays sometimes associated with major renovations.

4) List and negotiate properly. According to Forsythe, "a seasoned REALTOR® can show owners how best to market a particular home according to such factors as location, price, condition and financing. Owners want to work with us because our experience brings value and confidence to a transaction, factors that are enormously important in a changing marketplace."

5) Seek prequalified buyers. While many sales may be for cash, the majority still require financing. It would be frustrating to enter into a sales contract with a potential buyer who ultimately cannot obtain financing to purchase your home -- meaning you have lost time -- and potentially money -- and then you have to start over. When a home is shown by appointment, the buyer should have a pre-qualification letter in hand.

Such letters from lenders are not binding but at least show that the purchaser sat down with a loan officer and has some realistic sense of what he or she can reasonably afford.

6) Distressed properties. Roughly 30 percent of today's home sales involve "distressed" properties -- a term which includes short sales and foreclosed properties owned by lenders. You need to consider the distressed properties in your neighborhood when pricing and marketing your home. These properties typically sell at discount, especially in major foreclosure centers and sometimes require substantial repair and rehabilitation.

"Home sellers can compete with these offerings," according to Forsythe. "There's no question that a large number of distressed properties in a local market will impact prices, but price is not the only factor buyers consider. While distressed homes work for some purchasers, they're not the right choice for buyers who want homes that offer move-in condition -- homes in better shape that can often command higher prices."

While the housing market is just in the beginning stages of a recovery, it's still possible to successfully sell your home by making sure you're catering to the kind of buyers in the market today, and by making sure that you -- and your home -- are ready to move as quickly as these buyers are.

Thinking of Selling your home? Sellers Get More Cash from Cleaning...

RISMEDIA, Friday, April 27, 2012— Cleaning and decluttering will garner sellers a 403 percent return on their investment when they sell their homes this spring, compared to a 293 percent return for electrical and plumbing upgrades and 196 percent for staging.

The results from HomeGain’s annual 2012 DIY Home Improvements for Sellers spiked a few myths about what improvements pay off in marketing homes today. Nearly 500 real estate agents nationwide participated in the survey to determine the top 10 low cost, do-it-yourself home improvements for people getting their home ready to sell.

Cleaning and de-cluttering continues to rank as the top suggested home improvement (since the survey was originally conducted in 2003). This low cost home improvement is recommended by 99 percent of real estate professionals. The average recommended cost is $402 with a returning value of just over $2,000 to the home’s sale price, or a 403 percent return.

In past surveys, home staging and lightening and brightening were battling it out for the number two spot on the top 10 list. In the 2011 survey, lightening and brightening reclaimed the number two position and held on to it in 2012. Home staging, however, fell to the number five position this year behind landscaping the yard and repairing electrical and/or plumbing.

The three least remunerative improvements were painting the interior (107 percent ROI), improving kitchens and bathrooms (66 percent ROI) and painting the exterior (55 percent ROI).

For more information, visit www.realestateeconomywatch.com.

Here is some GREAT advice on Selling your home this Spring (or anytime)...

5 Things to Avoid When Selling Your Home this Spring

By Paul Owers

RISMEDIA, Monday, April 09, 2012— (MCT)—Home sellers find that interest from prospective buyers heats up in the spring as many families look to get settled in a new place before the school year starts in August. But the traditional March-through-May buying season can be a dud for sellers who don’t deliver what they promise or who stand over buyers as they open cupboards and peek in bedrooms. “Some sellers are their own worst enemies,” said Michael Citron, an agent in Broward County, Fla. Here are five things that turn off prospective buyers: -A cluttered house or one that smells. When sellers have too many possessions, buyers have a hard time imagining themselves living in the home. Sellers should put their stuff in storage—or move out altogether, if possible. Pet odors are also a big turn-off, as is a house that reeks of cigarette or cigar smoke. “If buyers smell smoke, they’ll walk out immediately,” said Jon Klein, an agent in Coral Springs, Fla. -False or misleading advertising. Sellers and their agents stretch the truth by claiming a home has four bedrooms, but the fourth room isn’t a bedroom because it doesn’t have a window and closet. Joanne Caouette, a Canadian looking to buy in Broward, said one home was advertised as waterfront but only had a water view. “It’s a waste of our time,” she said. -Sellers not committed to selling. Some sellers want to test the market, then waffle when buyers show serious interest. Others ignore offers or are insulted by what they consider low bids. “No offer is insulting,” said Bob Melzer, an agent in Boynton Beach, Fla. “It’s a point to begin.” Wishy-washy sellers don’t use lock boxes that give agents quick access, or they’re not accommodating when it comes to scheduling showings. “If you want to sell your house, there should be very few times when you can’t show it,” said Cathy Prenner, an agent in northeast Broward. -Overpricing the house. Many sellers are too attached to their homes and think they’re worth more than they are, agents say. Even though prices are beginning to stabilize, a seller who misses the target likely won’t generate much interest. Before hiring an agent, interview several. They almost certainly will have documentation that shows what comparable homes in the neighborhood are selling for. “If you set the home at market price, you’re going to get that property sold,” said Summer Greene, a real estate manager in Fort Lauderdale. -Sellers who stay for the showing. This is a pet peeve of buyers and agents, who say sellers should be long gone when prospective buyers show up. Prospective buyers want to be free to tour the home without the owners present. They don’t want to carry on a conversation or listen to why the sellers think they should buy the house. Citron strongly opposes sellers talking to buyers before they’ve signed a contract. By revealing their motivation, for instance, sellers can inadvertently give buyers more power in negotiations. “The only thing you can do if you talk to the prospective buyer is hurt the deal,” Citron said.

Selling Your Home...

Detach yourself emotionally

Buying real estate is an emotional decision, but the opposite needs to be true for selling real estate. Emotions can get in the way of selling your property. The more attached you are, the harder it will be to convince a potential buyer to see themselves as the new homeowner. Try to get used to the idea that the home will no longer be yours. Think of it as a product to be sold. Visit every room and say "good-bye." Visualize yourself handing over the keys.

First impression

Outside:

Curb appeal can create a good first impression. Cut the lawn weekly while showing your home. Keep the lawn edged, fertilized and watered. Trim the bushes, prune trees and shrubs, remove weeds from the garden. Consider planting seasonally appropriate plants to add color. Plant shrubs to fill space where needed. Keep the yard tidy. Rake the leaves in the fall. Keep the walkways clear of snow in the winter. Store lawn equipment, toys, or any other large objects that my obstruct walkways.

Pressure-wash the siding or add a fresh coat of paint. Use neutral colors such as white or off-white. Repaint or replace the shutters or gutters as needed. A contrasting color is a nice touch. Add a new doormat. Repaint or replace the front door. Make sure the front door opens and closes securely and locks easily. Make sure the house number can easily be read (replace faded numbers and remove obstructions).

Inside:

Paint walls in a neutral color to appeal to a wide range of buyers. Replace burned out light bulbs. Replace carpeting or flooring that is worn out or dated.

Create an impression of order around the house (shirts in the closet facing the same way, coffee mugs in the kitchen with handles pointed in the same direction). Dishes should be put away or stacked in an orderly fashion. Towels should be freshly clean.

Keep the home bright. Open all blinds, drapes and curtains to let in maximum light. Turn on as many lights as possible, including appliance lights and closet lights.

Removing clutter

After years of living in your house, clutter collects everywhere. Removing it is a challenge since you are attached to some of these objects. You may not even be aware how much you've accumulated. Bring in another set of eyes such as a friend or neighbor to help point out areas that appear cluttered. Your agent can also help with this.

Remove as many personal items as possible - you want the buyer to visualize themselves as the homeowner and your personal effects could inhibit this process. For example, remove any family photos, books from the bookcases, and accoutrements from tables and shelves. Sell, donate or throw away items you no longer want or need. Rent a storage space to keep kick-knacks, photos, extra furniture, and other personal items. Essential items can be placed in a box and stored in a closet.

Create an open environment , free from clutter. Remove any extra furniture or objects blocking access to closets or cabinets. Keep walkways clear. Create as much space as possible. Allow the buyer's imagination to flow freely.

*Useful tip: Remove built-in appliances and fixtures you want to keep. It could be a deal breaker if the buyer learns they are not included with the home. 

Limit expenses

Fixing up your home for selling need not be an expensive proposition. Focus on the major issues, such as fixing broken windows or a leaky roof. Fixing a leaking roof is less expensive than having a buyer negotiate a new roof.

When inspecting a home, prospective buyers will often "kick the tires." They'll play with anything that has a handle or switch, turning on and off the faucets, flicking the lights, opening and closing doors, cabinets and drawers. Replace or polish handles, door knobs, light switches and faucet fixtures. Apply grease to squeaky doors. These are some inexpensive ways to create a good first impression.

Eliminate odors

Smoking and pets are a source of unwanted odors. If you're a smoker, you may want to move your smoking outside while showing your home. An air neutralizer such as an ozone spray can help eliminate smoking odors while not leaving behind the scent of a masking odor. If you are a pet owner, you may have become desensitized to the odors your pets leave behind, but others are not so immune. Cat owners should change the kitty litter daily and hide the litter box when showing the house. Shampoo the carpets. Use a carpet freshener periodically. Invite a third-party such as a friend or neighbor to assess your efforts.

Air out the house just before a visit from a potential buyer. Fill the home with inviting smells, such as scented potpourri and fresh flowers. Baking cookies, cinnamon rolls or home-made bread adds a warm and inviting atmosphere to your home. Starting a fire in the fireplace is also a nice touch.

SELLING YOUR HOME? Here are some QUICK TIPS that will help...

5 things you can do this weekend to improve your home’s Saleability

 

Making a good first impression can mean the difference between receiving serious offers or none at all.  If you are selling your home, always keep it in ready to show condition even when you don't have appointments, you never know who will knock on that door and want a quick look. If you are not selling and your budget permits, why not make these simple improvements and enjoy your home even more!

 

1.  Focus on curb appeal. The outside of your house can be the source of a very good first impression. Keep the grass well-watered and mowed. Have your trees trimmed. Cut back overgrowth. Plant some blooming flowers. Store toys, bicycles, roller-skates, gardening equipment and the like out of sight. Have at least the front of your house and the trim painted, if necessary. Sweep the porch and the front walkway. After dark, turn on your front porch light and any other exterior lighting.

 

2.  Clear out the clutter. Loose the clutter! If your home has too much furniture, overflowing closets, crowded kitchen and bathroom countertops or lots of family photos or collectibles on display, potential buyers won't be able to see your home. Get rid of anything you don't need or use.  Have a garage sale, donate to Good Will, or rent some off-site storage space if that's what it takes to clear out your home.

 

3.  Use your nose. Many people are oblivious to scents, but others are extremely sensitive to offensive odors. To eliminate bad smells, bathe your pets, freshen the cat litter box frequently, shampoo your carpets, dry clean your drapes, and empty trash cans, recycling bins and ash trays. Light a candle or incense, put out fresh flowers or potpourri and use air fresheners.

 

4.  Make all necessary repairs. Buyers expect everything in their new home to operate safely and properly. Picky buyers definitely will notice and likely magnify minor maintenance problems you've ignored for months or even years. Add new doorknobs, paint the front door, fix leaky faucets, replace burned-out light bulbs, repair painted-shut or broken windows, replace inoperable appliances – these repairs may seem small, but left undone they can lead buyers to question whether you've taken good care of your home.

 

5.  Introduce lifestyle accessories and make your home as comfortable and attractive as possible. Rearrange the furniture, set the dining room table with your best dishes. Put out your only-for-company towels. Make up the spare bed. Hang some fresh curtains. Put some logs in the fireplace. Get creative! 

 

10 things that can increase the value of your home

 

1.      Updated/modern kitchen

2.      Updated/modern bath

3.      Well-appointed master suite

4.      Natural materials like ceramic tile, hardwood floors and granite counter tops

5.      Curb appeal for a great first impression

6.      Light, airy, spacious feel – clean out the clutter

7.      Good windows and well-placed skylights

8.      Landscaping

9.      Lots of storage

10.  Basement

 

 

10 things that can decrease the value of your home – Liabilities

 

1.      A pool

2.      No garage or a small garage

3.      Garbled floor plan

4.      Outmoded appliances or systems

5.      Stale or overly personal décor

6.      A bad roof

7.      Bad location

8.      Poor maintenance – a home not cared for

9.      Environmental hazards like lead, mold or asbestos

10.  List of needed improvements

Selling it or Smelling It?

Pet odors can be a problem when you're in the process of selling your home. If your house has an odor problem, you should remove any offending furniture or carpets or hire a professional to clean them. Be sure to check the cat box frequently and keep the litter fresh.

Since some people have allergies or fears of certain animals, it's a good idea to put dogs or cats outside or confine your pets to one area when your house is being shown. It's hard for buyers to fully appreciate your home through itchy, watery eyes or in between sneezes! Even if the house is exactly what they want, your chances of selling it are less if the scent of Spot lingers in their memory.

Top Winter Selling Tips...

• Keep it Cozy: You may be energy concious during most winter days, but when potential buyers are on the way you will want to turn the thermostat up a few degrees in advance. You want you home to be comfortable for a wide range of visitors.
• Time the Light: Having indoor and outdoor lights on timers is not only smart from a security standpoint, but it can also make your home look warm and inviting to buyers passing by when you're not at home. Make sure there is enough outdoor lighting to properly show off your home during the darker winter months.
• Wash all windows: You're already battling a lack of natural light, so make sure yoru home fully takes advantage of what light there is! Thoroughly clean exterior windows both inside and out to ensure that as much natural light as possible can stream in.
• Decor: While you may want to avoid heavy use of holiday-specific decorations, you can still decorate to the season to add a festive atmosphere to your home. Utilize the rich reds and blues popular in winter, and consider hanging basic winter wreaths or adding winter centerpieces to tables and countertops.

10 Low-Cost Tips to Improve Your Home's Appeal

When selling your home, the goal is to sell it quickly for the highest price while investing as little as possible in renovations. With a limited budget and a little effort, you greatly increase your home's appeal by focusing on what prospective buyers can see on their first visit. The experts at BuyOwner.com offer the following recommendations for preparing a house for sale and staging it for showings.

Tip #1: Refresh the exterior
First impressions count when it comes to selling a home. Most buyers won’t even leave their car if they don’t find the exterior appealing. The best ways to improve your home’s exterior include:

-Repairing and/or replacing trims, shutters, gutters, shingles, mailboxes, window screens, walkways and the driveway.
-Painting siding, trim and shutters and lamp and mailbox posts.
-Pressure washing vinyl siding, roofs, walkways and the driveway.
-Washing windows.

Tip #2: Spruce up the lawn and landscape
Home buyers associate the condition of your lawn and landscaping with the condition of your home’s interior. By improving the outside, you affect buyers’ impression of the entire property. The best ways to enhance the yard include:

-Mowing and edging the lawn.
-Seeding, fertilizing and weeding the lawn.
-Keeping up with regular lawn maintenance by frequent watering.
-Trimming and/or removing overgrown trees, shrubs and hedges.
-Weeding and mulching plant beds.
-Planting colorful seasonal flowers in existing plant beds.
-Removing trash, especially along fences and underneath hedges.
-Sweeping and weeding the street curb along your property.

Tip #3: Create an inviting entrance
The front door to your home should invite buyers to enter. The best ways to improve your entry include:

-Painting the front door in a glossy, cheerful color that complements the exterior.
-Cleaning, polishing and/or replacing the door knocker, locks and handles.
-Repairing and/or replacing the screen door, the doorbell, porch lights and house numbers.
-Placing a new welcome mat and a group of seasonal potted plants and flowers by the entry.

Tip #4: Reduce clutter and furniture
A buyer cannot envision living in your home without seeing it. A home filled with clutter or even too much furniture distracts buyers from seeing how they can utilize the space your home offers. If you have limited storage space, you may want to consider renting a temporary storage unit to place items you wish to keep. The best ways to declutter your home include:

-Holding a garage sale to prepare for your move, getting rid of unnecessary items.
-Removing clutter such as books, magazines, toys, tools, supplies and unused items from counter tops, open shelves, storage closets, the garage and basements.
-Storing out-of-season clothing and shoes out of sight to make bedroom closets seem roomier.
-Removing any visibly damaged furniture.
-Organizing bookshelves, closets, cabinets and pantries. Buyers will inspect everything.
-Putting away your personal photographs, unless they showcase the home. Let buyers see themselves in your home.
-De-personalize rooms as much as you can.

Tip #5: Clean, clean, clean
The cleanliness of your home also influences a buyer's perception of its condition. The appearance of the kitchen and bathrooms will play a considerable role in a buyer's decision process, so pay particular attention to these areas. The best ways to improve these areas include:

-Cleaning windows, fixtures, hardware, ceiling fans, vent covers and appliances.
-Cleaning carpets, area rugs and draperies.
-Cleaning inside the refrigerator, the stove and all cabinets.
-Removing stains from carpets, floors, counters, sinks, baths, tile, walls and grout.
-Eliminating house odors, especially if you have pets.
-Considering air fresheners or potpourri.

Tip #6: Make minor repairs
The small stuff does count, especially with first-time home buyers. Without dismissing the importance of repairing major items such as a leaky roof or plumbing, you do not need to spend money on replacing these items. Instead, focus on the minor repairs that will make your home visually appealing. The best ways to improve your home include:

-Repairing ceilings and wall cracks.
-Repairing faucets, banisters, handrails, cabinets, drawers, doors, floors and tile.
-Caulking and grouting tubs, showers, sinks and tile.
-Adding fresh paint to ceilings, walls, trim, doors and cabinets.
-Tightening door handles, drawer pulls, light switches and electrical plates.
-Lubricating door hinges and locks.

Tip #7: Showcase the kitchen
The heart of any home is the kitchen. If you are going to spend any money on renovations, this is the one area where you will see the greatest return. Even with a modest budget, focusing on a few key areas can make a great difference in getting the asking price for your property. The best ways to showcase the kitchen include:

-Replacing cabinet doors and hardware.
-Installing under-cabinet lighting.
-Replacing light fixtures.
-Replacing outdated shelving with pantry and cabinet organizers to maximize space.
-Baking cookies or cupcakes for a showing, to create a homey smell.

Tip #8: Stage furniture
Furniture placement can enhance the space of your home while giving buyers an idea of how to best utilize the space with their own belongings. Take some time to rethink how different areas in your house could be used. Some ideas to think about include:

-Moving couches and chairs away from walls in your sitting and family rooms to create cozy conversational groups.
-Creating a reading corner in the master bedroom.
-Clearing an empty room to set up a reading space.
-Turning an awkward space into a home office.
-Setting the dining room table with your best china.
-Set wine glasses in front of the fireplace or next to a Jacuzzi tub.

Tip #9: Light up the house
Create a sense of openness and cheerfulness in your home through its lighting. To improve the lighting try:

-Opening shades and drapes to let the sunshine warm and brighten rooms.
-Installing brighter light bulbs in rooms that tend to be dark.
-Adding additional lamps for ambient lighting.
-Turning on all the lights for a showing.

Tip #10: Add fresh touches
You can easily add color and style to your home by adding fresh touches throughout. Some ideas to consider include:

-Placing fresh floral arrangements in the entry and master bedroom.
-Placing bowls of bright-colored fruit in the family room and the kitchen.
-Filling an empty corner with a potted leafy plant.
-Setting new hand soap in the bathrooms.
-Displaying fresh towels near sinks.

This article was written by Paige Tepping

10 Staging Tips to Help Your Home Sell

1. Visit model homes and examine shelter magazines for inexpensive decorating ideas. Always keep in mind you are not decorating for yourself but for the general public.

2. Start with the outside. Give the house a fresh coat of paint, add shiny hardware to the front door and plant a few flowers to send a subliminal message the house is loved and well cared for.

3. Declutter every room to make it look larger. Get rid of family pictures, trophies and knickknacks. Closets and drawers should be no more than 30% full.

4. Invest in eco-friendly but bright lights. Open the drapes or remove them completely. Light, bright rooms give the impression that your home is a happy place—and everyone wants to move into a happy place.

5. Feature only a few pieces of furniture with mainstream appeal. Pull pieces away from walls to make rooms look bigger.

6. Make sure a room’s primary use is obvious. A bedroom should look like a bedroom, not an office, hobby center or gym.

7. Bedrooms and kitchens are difficult to stage because they are in daily use, but make the effort. Clear everything off the counters and nightstands, roll up the rugs and hide the laundry hamper. Buff the cabinets with car wax and clean under the sinks. Invest in pristine white bed linens and towels.

8. Minimize the “pet effect.” Remove food bowls and litter boxes to the utility room. Deodorize thoroughly.

9. Organize the utility room and garage. Hang up the bicycles, roll up the hose. Renting a storage locker is worth the cost if it helps you sell faster and for a higher price.

10. Once your house is staged, invite your friends or agent over and walk them through to get an objective opinion.

Prepping For a Last-Minute Showing

It's nearly impossible to keep your home in a "show-ready" state day in and day out. In many cases you may find that your home will be shown to a prospective buyer with very little advance notice.

Even if you're keeping things as clutter-free as possible, a little preparation for the actual showing is probably in order. Here are some short-term ways to get your home looking and feeling its best.

Step 1: Cleaning Frenzy

• Scrub tile in the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Thoroughly clean hardwood floors.
• Vacuum carpets. If time permits, rent a steam cleaner to shampoo carpets, particularly in high traffic areas.
• Dust all wood furniture, TV screens and computer monitors.
• Clear counters of all clutter. If time permits, move unnecessary appliances and decorating touches into storage areas.
• Clear the kitchen sink and counters of all dirty dishes.
• Pick up all dirty laundry. Avoid over-filling any open air hampers - laundry is better kept out of sight inside your washer or dryer.
• Remove stains from bathtubs, toilets and sinks.

Step 2: Critical Eye Test

• After doing the first round of cleaning, take a walk through the house with the perspective of a buyer. Look for clutter, excess furniture or highly personal touches that might turn off prospective buyers.
• Try taking pictures of main rooms with a digital camera for an "instant review".

Step 3: Curb Appeal Checkup

• Sweep the entryway, porch and walkways.
• Mow and water the lawn.
• Store any toys or garden equipment.
• Clean up pet droppings.
• Clean gutters and downspouts.
• Add potted plants to the porch or deck.

Step 4: Closing Touches

• Turn on all lights.
• Open drapes and blinds.
• Open windows to let in fresh air.
• Burn scented candles or open jars of lightly scented potpourri. If you don't have either on hand, you can always bake cookies (the oldest trick in the book) or simmer a few drops of vanilla extract on the stove.
• Turn off all TV's, stereos and computers.
• If possible, relocate pets to a friend or neighbor's home during the showing.
• Clean the litter box thoroughly to rid your home of smells. If pets can be temporarily relocated, remove the litter box entirely.
• Hang fresh towels in every bathroom.
• Put fresh liquid soap or bar soap in each bathroom.
• Remove rugs to showcase hardwood floors.
• Put out fresh flowers and fill candy dishes.