Whenever I show houses, I am always amazed when I come across one or two houses in the bunch that just knock your socks off...these aren't always the most stunning of floor plans, or the most extravegently furnished...they are simply the houses where the vendors have dressed them for success. They are super clean, super organized, uncluttered and they smell good! Now, when I say smell good, I don't mean they have glade air fresheners in every socket....these homes simply smell fresh and airy...as opposed to stagnent.

The web is full of useful information for homeowners to access about how they can present their house in the most favourable light, however, it's a taunting task for most homeowners. First of all, as homeowners...we like our junk! We like the toaster, the coffee maker, the knife set, the cutting board, the paper towel dispenser and all of the rest of our everyday gadgets...right there on the counter....we like all the daily accomplishments of our family...plastered all over the fridge....we like our collections, we like our house...so why should we change things just because we're selling?

Well....how about $10,000???? If someone came to your door tonight with $10,000...and told you that it was yours if you simply "neutralized" your house....if you removed everything that didn't have decorator merit...how fast would you do it? Probably pretty fast!

It's important....and the reason is simple. People get distracted. Your house gets distracted. Instead of admiring all the houses great features, purchasers spend their time fixated on your stuff....and why your stuff is where it is. I know it sounds fickle....and I know it is fickle...but I have seen it time and time again. Houses get passed by and some even get reduced, and the owners loose money, simply because the house did not show it's best.

So, as a Realtor, I try to stress to my clients that "presentation" is everything and sometimes it's really hard to get Vendors to understand that the miniature bear collection set up on the plate rail in the dining room, really doesn't enhance the house at all. It's hard trying to explain that the linen closet, bursting at it's seems could actually be a deal breaker....why even take the chance?

The reason is simple with houses. It's because they are an extention of ourselves. They are who we are. However....when it's time to sell...you must convert them into the shiniest asset you have ever owned.

Clear the counters. Polish the sinks. Clean the windows. Take your linen closet apart and carefully fold....just like in the store...every single item you're putting in there. Carefully hang up the cloths in your closets....and remove everything from that closet that you won't need for the next 2 months.....including cloths. Polish everything with a smooth surface! Remove that extra piece of furniture...that you crammed into the family room....remove the oversized TV that covers the window....take the babies gigantic play centre out of the kitchen....and unless they're arranged decoratively...take the 100 family pictures down.....because buyers may very well spend every single minute in your house....admiring the pictures...even wondering if they know you...rather than noticing the most important thing....your house! And please...take those air fresheners out....fast! Many times purchasers walk into a house...and are so overwhelmed by the odor....that they end up running through the house with not even a thought about buying it! If you think you're house doesn't smell fresh...then open up the windows and air it out. You're better off burning a nice vanilla candle...or better yet...simmering some vanilla and water on the stove before a showing than ever plugging in an air freshener. Most people find the smell of vanilla welcoming and soothing, and it may keep them lingering in your humble abode...a little bit longer!

Our job as a Realtor, is selling your house....hopefully for the most money in the shortest length of time...so always remember....a squeeky clean...well presented house will sell faster...and for more.  Ask your Realtor for their input....and tell them to be honest... perhaps ask them to bring a few of their collegues thru for their opinion on how you can maximize your homes value. But...the key is with you...the property owner...once you have the input...do it all....and you will be the winner!