Silicon Valley , a home on the market can sell quickly and often with multiple offers . Many times , the price goes well above the asking price . These simple steps will ensure your home will be at its best and receive the highest possible price when you sell . These tips are important and can make the difference between a quick sale or sitting on the market waiting for a buyer . Many times owners do not look at their home from a critical eye and wonder why the neighbor ’ s home sold faster or for more money . Ask your Realtor to take a walk through your home and point out the noticeable items that should be changed .

o Be sure when a buyer opens the front door they are greeted by a clean , uncluttered foyer that looks inviting to anyone . It makes them want to see more .

o Pets are loved by the family but not so much by the buyers . Some buyers have extreme allergies and will go running from the home . Take your pets out of the home for showings and all of their endearing toy , beds and food .

o Be sure to leave the property before your showing . Turn on all the lights and escape . Buyers will be honest and stay longer in the home than if you were there .

o Bad smells in a home can send a buyer running . Buyers do not want to stay in a home that smells of cooking , garbage or pets . Have a friend come and tell you if you have offensive odors . Homeowners sometimes get used to the smell and do not notice .

o Of course the dirty house can have the buyer think the home is not taken care of and they want to know what else could be neglected . Hire a cleaning company to clean top to bottom and have your home sparkle . o lf your home is poorly lit , be sure you have lights on and new light bulbs , and sparkly clean windows .

o lf you have loud or busy wallpaper , spend some time taking it off the walls and replace with neutral paint . Light colors make your home appear larger and brighter .

o Unkempt yards and bushes can make the home appear shabby and not cared for . Hire a gardener and tree trimmer to spruce up the yard and plant some blooming flowers in pots and in your yard for a pop of color . This is the first impression they see of your home . Do not skimp on this .

o Any flooring surface must be clean and in great shape . If carpets are worn or very dirty replace them . Tile and wood should be professionally cleaned .

o Take the time to clean and stage your bathroom with new towels and decorator articles . Do not use too many though . Add a pop of color to a drab bathroom or go neutral with your taupes , whites and creams for color . Be sure all tile is grouted , unstained and caulked where needed .

Completing this checklist will ensure your home is in the best position for a faster sale .

Local Trends Single Family Residential in Morgan Hill & San Martin

Teri Nelson , Realtor Intero Real Estate Services

408.425.5200

BRE # 00858151