Low wattage light bulbs are not recommended. Homebuyers want to see what they might buy. Replace any burnt out light bulbs and avoid using the low-energy bulbs as they do not cast flattering light.

Do not overdo it on the wallpaper as not everyone loves wallpaper. Everyone has different tastes in decorating. Any wallpaper that is a few years old or more should be removed and painting done. Also no wallpaper boarders.

If painting the home stick with more neutral colors as not everyone likes the bright bold colors which are harder to paint over and cover.

Using these tips will make a great impression and will help you sell your home!

Make Your Move Easier

• Whether you are planning a move across town or across the country, making the move hassle-free is what it is all about. Besides the traditional garage sale and packing boxes, there are a few details you will not want to forget before you begin loading the truck.

Plan Ahead

• Experts recommend scheduling moves at least one month in advance, especially during the peak moving season between May and September. Some estimates indicate 80 percent of all moving and storage business is done when schools are out. That's when employees are most likely to be transferred.

Ask Questions

• Take the time to get as much information as possible from moving companies before selecting one. Check on truck size and availability. Ask about moving supplies, such as boxes, dollies and furniture pads. Find out about protection plans for your possessions. Ask about lost or damaged property claim procedures. Determine price differences in packing the truck yourself or having it professionally packed. Get estimates.

Save Your Receipts

• Many of your moving expenses are tax deductible, so hang onto your receipts. Consult with your tax advisor to find out what is deductible. or call Revenue Canada. Tax information On Moving Expenses to find out which moving expenses you can deduct.

Change Your Address

• Stop by your local post office and pick up a free change-of-address kit. The packet includes change-of-address cards to notify magazine publishers, charge accounts, clubs, organizations, insurance and investment companies about your move. The kit also has an address forwarding card for the post office.

Collect Documents

• If you're moving out of the area, you'll need to gather your family's personal records. Remember to get your medical and dental records, school transcripts, legal documents, titles, bank records, tax returns, stocks and bonds certificates, birth certificates, passports and insurance documents. Be sure to empty your safe deposit box.

Cancel Utilities

• When you cancel your telephone, gas, electric, garbage, water and other utilities, call and order service for your new home. You'll be able to make telephone calls, plug in the vacuum and do a load of laundry the minute you step into your new home.
  If you need a list of services in your new neighborhood, contact your agent about schools,
  voter registration, auto licensing and registration, utilities and more.

Preparing the Exterior
(Increase Your Home's Curbside Appeal)

Your Home's Exterior

Your home's exterior is the first thing a potential buyer sees when visiting your home. The following tips will help you increase your home's curbside appeal and create a strong first impression to potential home buyers.

Fence:

• Replace missing slats, stakes and posts.
• Repair broken hinges and paint or stain the fence if necessary.

Yard:

• Mow, trim and fertilize the lawn.
• Weed flower beds and replace dead plants and trees.

Driveway, Garage, Carport:

• Clean up grease or oil spots on concrete surfaces.
• Make sure the garage door opens freely and the automatic door opener is working.
• Provide an unobstructed view of your home from the street by not parking cars, boats or other vehicles in the driveway.

Front Entry:

• Polish door handles and door knockers.
• Replace worn or broken items, such as an unsightly mailbox or rusty doorbell.
• Be sure porch lights are working and add welcoming features such as a new door mat and flowering plants.

Siding And Trim:

• Consider painting the highlight features of your home, such as trim work, shutters, gutters, down spouts and railings.
• If necessary, add a fresh coat of exterior paint to the exterior siding.

Roof:

• Remove debris such as trees branches and leaves.
• Straighten the TV antenna.
• Make any necessary repairs to worn shingles or cracked surfaces.

Patio, Deck:

• Flowering plants and outdoor furniture add appeal.
• Remove any unnecessary items such as gardening equipment.
• Tidy any visible items, such as an outdoor grill or barbecue.

Preparing the Interior - Add Housewarming Appeal

Your Home's Interior

Experience shows that creating a house warming feeling inside your home increases its' desirability.

View your home with a critical eye. Clean, complete minor repairs, and add finishing touches.

Doors and Windows:

• Consider adding a fresh coat of paint to your front door
• Polish brass fixtures and be sure door locks work properly.
• Oil hinges to both doors and windows.
• Keep stairways tidy and secure handrail.
• Repair or replace bent or damaged screens and window glass.
• Cut back outdoor plants that restrict natural light.
• Keep windows clean and tidy with draperies firmly affixed and in proper working order.
  
  

Floors and Carpets:

• Repair or replace missing or damaged tile, hardwood, vinyl and baseboards.
• Steam-clean or shampoo carpets.
• Secure loose carpeting and replace damaged areas.
• Be conscious of odors caused by dampness, high-traffic areas or pets.

Closets and Storage Areas:

• Ample storage space increases the desirability of the home.
• Keep closest tidy.
• Discard any unnecessary items and consider storing those you do not use frequently.

Bedrooms and Living Areas:

• Keep living areas clean and inviting.
• Arrange furniture to allow a spacious atmosphere.
• Make beds, arrange couch cushions, dust shelves, vacuum carpets and touch-up walls with paint or spackling as necessary.
• Wallpaper should be clean and adhere smoothly to the walls.
• Finishing touches such as flowers or candles add to the home's house warming appeal.

Kitchen and Bathrooms:

• Clear counters, drawers and cabinets of unnecessary items.
• Clean soap dishes, mirrors, faucets and appliances (inside and out).
• Store cleaning supplies and hang freshly washed towels.
• Be conscious of odors caused by dampness, hampers, etc.

Counters and Cabinets:

• Store infrequently used counter-top items to allow a spacious look in the kitchen and bathroom.
• Keep drawers and cabinets tidy and organized.

Garage or Workshop:

• Items should be neatly stored in shelving or wall units.
• Allow appropriate space for the home buyer to visualize their vehicle or workbench.
• Consider moving excess or over-sized items to mini-storage.