Putting your home up for sale takes a bit more effort than hiring a great listing agent and sticking a sign in your yard. The current state of the Portland real estate market requires effort on the part of the home owner as well. Here are a few easy steps you can take to make sure that your home is picture perfect when that potential buyer walks through the front door over the next few weeks.

• Remove the clutter by packing up all those knickknacks, stacks of magazines and all the other things that people seem to accumulate over the years. You may love all your stuff, but buyer’s need to see the house - not your stuff! Clean everything off the kitchen counters including toasters, coffee makers, blenders, etc. This will give the perception of more room and messy counters are a turnoff. If you have shelves full of books, put most of them away and leave only a few.
• De-personalize by removing personal items and photos, as buyers have a tough time looking past them to see the space. Buyers want to envision their own family in the home, not yours. They can’t do that if they keep seeing pictures of you and your family everywhere. It’s okay to keep a few photos though.
• Rent a storage unit if you have a house full of furniture. Most houses show better with less furniture, by creating more space and a simple clean look. Remove pieces of furniture that are not necessary or block walkways. You may know how to maneuver around that stereo cabinet, but the buyer might not. Just leave enough furniture to show off the rooms purpose with enough room to move around.
• Make minor repairs like patching holes and cracks in the walls and ceilings. Fix that leaking faucet or the toilet that keeps running. Keep colors neutral, as bold colors may turn off potential buyers. If you need a handyman or contractor in Portland, let me know. I have some great guys to tell you about!
• Clean your home. Vacuum the carpets, mop the floors, buff the hardwoods, wash the windows inside and out. Pull out that dusting rag and get to work. Clean all the cobwebs our of the all the corners and don’t forget to look up at the ceilings. Put fresh towels in the bathrooms and make sure there are no odors. Get the litter box out of the house or move someplace out of the way.
• Curb appeal is neeed to bring potential buyers into your house. You don’t wan them just to drive by and say no thanks. Make buyers want to take a look inside. Pressure wash siding and decks. Paint the trim and front door. Add new door hardware. Keep the lawn mowed, throw some bark dust in the flower beds and add some flowers for color. Keep walkways clear of debris. Make the entrance inviting.

After you have prepared your home to sell, you will be able to stage the home to appeal to almost every type of buyer. Remember to keep your emotions out of it. You are putting your home of the market to sell, not to display your tastes. Not everyone will share your same tastes. Just think about handing the keys over to the new home owner and you’ll be on your way to the home of your dreams.