Crisp and Clean - First Step to Selling

February 21, 2007

The real clue to homes that sell in any real estate market is "Crisp and Clean". Most people know and understand "Clean". Are the windows spotless? Are the carpets spotless? Are the closets organized? Are the floors vacuumed and mopped? Can you open a cupboard or closet and see space? Is the garage free of trash? Has the house been power washed on the exterior? A yes answer to these questions indicates a clean house.

But what makes a property "Crisp"? Is the lawn mowed and edged? Are the plants trimmed and the garden beds weeded? Are there blooming flowers in the beds or in strategically placed
pots? Has the somewhat worn carpet been replaced? Are all the kitchen counters free from clutter? Are there bright towels hanging in the bathroom? Are all those family photos packed away? A good way to judge your home for "crispness" is to take digital pictures. I found that I needed to pack away stuffed animals, to rearrange furniture and make my home less "me-friendly". When I made these changes, it began to be "crisper".

If you are planning to put yoour home on the market, take the "Crisp and Clean" inventory!