Cleanliness sells. It's amazing to see the difference that tidiness can make -- in fact, a untidy home can easily sell for 5-10% below its market comparables and it can take up to 25% longer to find an interested buyer! On the flip-side, consider how much value you can add to your home simply by keeping it clean and primped.

Remember, the first impression is a lasting one. A clean, tidy and fresh home gives potential purchasers a positive initial feeling of your home. Pat and Elspeth have an interest in interior design and are able to apply their expertise to help homeowners identify and overcome aesthetic weaknesses. For larger projects, they will be happy to furnish you with a list of professional designers.

Here are some cost-effective suggestions to increase the overall appeal of your property:

• Remove unnecessary household clutter. Simplicity sells!
• Fresh paint. Are your walls dirty, stained, or finished with outdated colours? You might consider applying a coat of paint to freshen things up, but if you do, it's a good idea to choose neutral colours.
• Make sure your home is free of unpleasant odours, particularly from pets or cigarette smoke. It's a good idea to have carpets steam-cleaned. Often the use of scented candles or potpourri can add a pleasant aroma.
• Bright, natural lighting increases the appeal of your home. Before showings, make sure that your heavy draperies are pulled-back, and wherever possible, that your windows are open. Attract as much natural light and fresh air into your house as possible, but take advantage of artificial lighting to enhance the mood of certain rooms.
• The outdoors should also be tidy. Depending on the season, make sure that grass is kept short, leaves are raked, and that snow and ice are removed. Remember that purchasers will usually establish an impression from their first view of your property, so pay particular attention to these areas.

Additional hints for successful showings:

• Leave pets with friends or family. You may love them, but to prospective purchasers, pets can be intimidating.
• Purchasers want the opportunity to inspect your home and to talk openly between themselves about your property without fears of offending you. Often they will discuss decorating ideas, or map out their furniture according to your floor plan. They will feel inhibited if you are present. For this reason, it is a good idea to leave the house and let your agent show purchasers through. After the showing, your agent will be happy to tell you how the showing went.
• Put cash and collectibles away. A good real estate agent is conscientious enough to qualify buyers before introducing them to your home. Agents do this by closely scrutinizing a purchaser's intent and financial abilities. Your agent will also monitor purchasers' actions while they are viewing your home to ensure that your privacy and valuables are protected. Nonetheless, it's still a good idea to put cash and collectibles away; out of sight, out of mind!