Prairie Shore Properties Evanston
2110 Central Street, Evanston, Illinois 60201
847-869-7300 fax: 847-869-7481

Prairie Shore Properties Wilmette
1109 Central Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois 60091
847-256-1121 fax: 847-853-5600

Prairie Shore Properties Chicago
4109 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60618
773-929-7300  fax: 773-929-7200

© Copyright 2008 Prairie Shore Properties
Equal Housing Opportunity

WINNING WAYS TO SELL YOUR HOME FASTER, FOR THE BEST PRICE

First impressions are always lasting ones for prospective buyers viewing your home. You'll want to utilize the win-win approach that we recommend for preparing your home for a successful viewing period.

Here are the winning ways to ensure that prospective buyers "fall in love" with your home:

"Curb appeal"

• Yard looking neat and trim, grass cut and edged, shrubs trimmed
• Walks cleared of ice and snow in winter
• Front door and doorway clean and freshly painted; hardware polished; lock working easily (a little WD-40 can do wonders!)
• A pretty, seasonal decoration or wreath says "Welcome!"

Fresh decorating

• A freshly decorated look can add dollars of value to your home.
• Faded wallpaper, soiled walls, scratched woodwork, detract from the good impression that you want to make.

Sparkling windows

• Let as much light as possible into your house!
• Wash your windows inside and out, and keep them clean while marketing your home

Repairs made

• Survey your home to inspect all doorknobs, closet doors, screen doors, faucets and fans. Repair all items that do not open or work smoothly. Check for leaks, rattles, stickiness, and old, run-down-looking items. Hiring a handyman to work for a few hours will pay off smartly when you sell your home.

Kitchen: A focal point

• Countertops clean and free of clutter. Pack away items to show as much clear counter space as possible.
• Clean oven, stove
• Wash dishwasher interior, especially inside and edges of door.
• Clean, wash and polish your refrigerator
• Clean and polish sink and stovetop to make them gleam
• Clear your cabinets to make them look as spacious as possible

Bathrooms: A vital area

• Repair caulking in bathtubs and showers
• Clean grouting and ceramic tile to a high shine, free of soap film
• Scour and polish fixtures to look sparkling

Closets: Important to all buyers

• Organize and neatly arrange all closets so that they look larger
• Remove all items that can be stored elsewhere

Basement, garage, storage spaces

• Remove unnecessary articles
• Paint the basement with a coat of light, neutral paint to brighten the area
• Clean all windows
• Clean exteriors of the furnace, hot water heater, and other appliances
• Remove odors: pour bleach down drains, use "plug-in" air fresheners in electric outlets

Odors
You'll want to eliminate all unpleasant odors before showing your home.

• Avoid cooking odors that might offend.
• Make sure kitty litters are cleaned daily.
• Clean bird cages daily or as needed.
• Sweep all animal hair from floors, carpeting and furniture.

Your experienced Prairie Shore Properties sales person will be happy to discuss any of the above with you.

NOW YOU ARE READY FOR THE REALTOR TO SHOW YOUR HOME!

When your home is being shown to prospective buyers, we ask that you make a few preparations to set the mood and provide for optimum showing experiences.

Preparations you can make in your home:

• Daytime: Open draperies and blinds for maximum light
• Evening: Turn lights on for a warm and welcoming environment
• Play soft, pleasant music; turn off the television
• Allow the Realtor to show your home! Prospective buyers are often uncomfortable when the home's owners are involved in the showing. While being friendly and courteous, you can refrain from conversation. The Realtor knows the buyer's tastes and needs, and is skilled in directing attention to the features of your home that meet these needs.
• Very important: Please refer all questions you may have to your listing Broker/Realtor. Your agent is the professional you have hired to answer all questions.
• Pets: You dearly love your pet but a buyer may be afraid or allergic. It is best to keep your pets confined, or out of the house, for showings.
• Appointments: You will be notified of all appointments. Show your home only when an appointment has been made. Anyone knocking at your door without an appointment should never be admitted. Have that person call your listing Agent?ut not from your home.

YOU AND YOUR PRAIRIE SHORE REALTOR NOW FORM A WINNING TEAM THAT WILL SELL YOUR HOME SUCCESSFULLY!