Sherry and Rob escaped from Illinois 26 years ago and discovered a better lifestyle in this Florida coastal wonderland. Now they  focus on helping people such as you join them in this beautiful place.  Rob has been a Broker since 1976 and Sherry has been a licensed Realtor since 1984 with a strong background in real estate closings, helping folks up and down the coast buy and sell their homes.  Both of them are long time multi-million dollar club members and avid sailors, and are excited to share their in-depth knowledge of the coastal lifestyle with you!

Selling your home is an involved process that affects your family and your future.  Before you begin this process, you'll want to ensure that you have the most up-to-date information.  When should you sell?  How do you get the best price? What kinds of renovations should be made prior to the sale? How can you make your home most appealing to the average buyer?

Making A Dazzling First Impression! Here are some of the best no cost to low cost tips to capturing the buyers interest in your home.

First, most buyers will drive by the home and evaluate its' "curb appeal", before contacting a Realtor to touring them inside.

Making-the-sale (checklist)
- clean up your yard
- mow and trim the lawn
- remove dead limbs from trees
- prune the shrubs
- mend any fences or other outside structures
- strategically place a planted pot with flowers around the yard

The buyer coming view your home must walk up to the front door. During this walk, they will pay particular attention to the homes exterior.

Making-the-sale (checklist)
- paint the woodwork if needed
- clean the gutters
- polish the exterior lighting posts and lamps
- wash down the siding if necessary
- clean the front entry
- clean and polish the from door and brass - very important
- place a potted plant at the entry
- prune the front shrubs
- make sure the landscaping looks great; weeded, trimmed, all dead plants removed, etc.

The buyer will often spend extra time at the entry way while receiving instructions, reviews, etc, from the Realtor or you as the seller.

Making-the-sale (checklist)
- open up the entry way
- remove all clutter (rent a temporary storage unit if necessary)
- place a potted plant by the entry way
- open the hall closet door, remove everything from this closed except 2 -3 garments
- dust and wash walls to remove stains, markings, and finger prints
- dust and clean all lighting fixtures and install higher wattage bulbs to make rooms brighter
- apply fresh paint to any walls or rooms that desperately need it (use bright neutral colors)
- clean, scrub, and polish floors, remove stains in carpet, and wash the baseboards
- clean windows inside and outside and clean the blinds and drapes too
- clean garage to a neat and orderly fashion
- change the air filters and install air fresheners in major areas

For most buyers, the kitchen will be the most critical room that is observed.

Making-the-sale (checklist)
- remove everything from the countertops except a center piece
- straighten the cupboards; leave excess room in each
- lay a clean sheet of shelving paper
- double clean the stove and refrigerator, paying particular attention to edges and crannies
- clean the countertops and sink, removing all stains and polishing all metals
- scrub the floor

The master bedroom and bath is another key area and selling point of the home.

Making-the-sale (checklist)
- clean away everything from behind and underneath the bed
- remove clutter from the dressers and nightstands
- recycle old magazines and arrange a few in a magazine rack
- put clean bedding on the bed
- make a special effort to straighten the closets
- make some empty space on the shelves
- hang clothes individually with some space between each garment
- bleach the tub, shower stall, basins, and toilet
- remove any apparent stains, especially molds and mildews in tile grout and drains
- clean the mirrors, scrub the floor, hang fresh towels
- clean and clear the countertops, shelves, and sinks



The simple ideas listed on this page can make a positive difference in the appeal to buyers who view your home inconsideration of making an offer to purchase.

As a Florida Luxury Realty associate, I am always available to help you regarding suggestions that will help sell faster and for the best financial outcome.

If your ready to have a real estate professional help you with the selling process, contact me today.

Useful Tips and Articles