SHOWCASE YOUR PROPERTY
HOW TO SHOWCASE YOUR PROPERTY IN ORDER TO GET THE BEST POSSIBLE PRICE

* Clean everything in and out of sight. Shampoo rugs and wax floors. Wash or brush walls.

* Create space by storing some of the extra furniture you have found useful but which often makes a crowded impression (bureaus, bookcases, storage chests, oversized chairs).

* Place the remaining furniture so that traffic can flow easily from room to room. Unless you're a skilled artist, scale down your personal artwork (portraits, landscapes), posters, signs and family photos, especially in teenager's rooms. Create a feeling of spaciousness.

* Keep blinds and draperies open to admit as much light as possible, but screen out unappealing views.

* Make your kitchen look warm and welcoming, not like a hectic workplace. Keep your sink shining and free of dirty dishes/cloths at all times. Clean the refrigerator, stove and all surfaces.

* Keep counter tops clear, but not empty (as if unused); adorn them with your most attractive canisters.

* Completely degrease your oven. Let the kitchen smell fresh and fragrant (with cinnamon buns, fresh bread or cookies warming in the clean oven, if you have time).

* Organize cupboards and closets. Remove debris (dust, flies, moths, etc.) from all light fixtures. At the same time replace burned out bulbs with the highest allowable wattage.

* Keep bathrooms scrubbed & tidy. Equip with fresh soap and neatly-hung matching towels.

* Get rid of all stains in sinks and bathtubs and install new washers on dripping faucets.

* Feature (with lighting or furniture arrangement) your home's best characteristics (a fireplace, a picture window, a balcony, ceiling beams, a kitchen eating area, etc.)

* If you have repainted (preferably in safe neutral tones), add bold splashes of colour (with your brightest throw pillows, crockery, pictures, etc.)

* Place plants in strategic spots in any room - bigger is more dramatic, if space permits.

* Light the whole house during showings, especially dark corners and hallways.

* Hang mirrors where they will reflect outdoor light, as well as make a room look larger.

* Repair broken windows and shutters, oil squeaky hinges, make sure all doors/closets close properly.

* Pets should be out of sight and out of smell.

* Spruce up around the house - paint exterior if necessary. Keep lawn and shrubbery trimmed and free of bicycles and litter. House numbers should be easy to read.

* Garage/car port and boathouse should be clean and tidy.

* Put a flowering pot on the front step and keep it watered and trimmed.

* Clean off your outdoor furniture and barbeque.

* Fix doorbells if necessary.

* Air conditioner should be turned on in warm weather, heat comfortable in the winter. Light the fireplace.

* Jewelry and valuables should be locked safely away or taken with you.