In the first part of "Selling Your Home" we highlighted the importance of making a great first impression by improving the curbside appeal of your house. Now that you have prospective buyers eager to come inside and see the rest of the house, it is important that the interior is in good showing order.

The condition cleanliness of the inside will definitely impact the final home selling price. Just as your home made an impression from the outside, it will also make a big impression on potential buyers as they walk through the front door. Pushing aside an entrance door with a ripped screen or fingerprint-covered window isn't a good way to start.

Here are ways that you can make an equally wonderful impression on the inside as you made on the outside. You may be surprised how simple, basic things can have an enormous impact on the speed with which your home sells, as well as on the final selling price.

Begin with the all-important entrance! Make sure it looks nice and inviting. If need be, paint the front door, replace the door knob, knocker.

Take a fresh look at your home. Potential buyers need to envision it as theirs. Make it as anonymous as possible by removing:

	Family photos
	Nick-knacks
	Trophies
	Collectibles
	Souvenirs
	Personal items
	Remove clutter everywhere you can

Potential buyers may simply view your family treasures as just junk. Besides that, they have their own treasures which they will try to visualize placing in a new home. Not only does removing these items depersonalize the house, it eliminates clutter.

	Eliminate clutter (store it, sell it, toss it)
	Remove excess or overly large furniture
	Strategically place furniture to open up space
	Mirrors can make a room look bigger
	Organize closets, cabinets
	Keep countertops uncluttered
	Remove items not included in the sale of your house

Freshen-up the color! A good paint job can more than pay for itself. When it comes to paint, white is the most neutral and versatile color, but it can also be viewed as sterile and boring. Go with neutral colors which buyers won't find objectionable. People have their own color preferences, so avoid strong, bold colors. Playing it safe will ensure that your interior will appeal to most of your potential buyers.

	Repaint the interior or touch up all trim
	Consider replacing worn out carpet

Set a buying atmosphere. Model homes in new developments are perfect examples of the buying atmosphere.

	Turn on all lights
	Open drapes in the daytime
	Play quiet background music

Avoid strong odors! As potential buyers are walking in they are breathing. Keep in mind that strong odors can immediately ruin a sale!

Lightly delicate scents can improve that all-important first impression. The smell of recently baked cookies or fresh flowers is inviting. Fresh flowers, especially in the spring and winter, can help to brighten and energize your home. A house that is prepared to show is spotlessly clean, neat and uncluttered. Take a critical look around everywhere not as homeowner but as a potential buyer. Don't overlook the details. Is every room neat, spotlessly clean, and uncluttered?

	Avoid offensive cooking smells before a showing
	Eliminate pet smells
	Avoid smoking inside while your house is on the market

Clean, clean and cleaner! Everything needs to be clean. Don't overlook even the smallest details!

The kitchen is the most important room in the house, so it is certainly worth sprucing up before prospective buyers come knocking. Even a partial kitchen makeover could be very expensive, but only refinishing the cabinets and replacing dated counter tops could be worth considering. At the very least be sure to clean the following things:

	Sink(s) clean inside out
	Counter tops, edges ledges
	Refrigerator inside out
	Everything on counters should be clean. Remove unnecessary clutter.
	Stove, Microwave Range inside out
	Cabinets inside Drawers inside out

Pay special attention to your bathroom. Make sure that bathrooms have a pleasant smell. All tile grout should be mildew free. Everything in the bathroom (especially fixtures, faucets, etc.) should SHINE. Don't forget to remove personal items from counter tops.

The bathroom quick cleaning checklist:

	Bathtub, Taps, Shower head, shower doors, curtain rod
	Sink Taps (Fix leaky taps)
	Towel racks, Cabinet doors, Mirrors, Soap dish or dispenser
	The floor, bath mats and floor mats
	Toilet
	Toilet paper dispenser

Selling a home without a realtor: Try to have only one member of your household present at the showing. Remember, you want potential buyers to feel at home. The fewer the people around, the more likely a buyer will feel comfortable.

Selling a home with a realtor: Better to leave your realtor alone with the potential buyer(s) for the same reasons as above.

Pets: Love me, love my pets, doesn't apply when selling your home. Pets under foot can put a damper on an otherwise positive showing. Make sure that pets are out of the way and that your house is odor-free and spotless.

	Take pets with you when the house is being shown or keep them outside
	Empty or hide litter boxes
	Make sure there is no pet hair or dander around (especially on furniture)
	Put your furry friend's toys away
	Put pet food dishes away

When it comes to selling your house, the first impression on the inside and outside is one of the most important factors. Taking care of these small details can make your home sell faster and boost your home's final selling price. The cost of these improvements is low, but the results are dramatic!

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