Coldwell Banker 2690 E. Main Street St. Charles, IL 60174 Cell 630.247.0464 Selling? | Buying? | Home	Tricks of the Trade Simple and inexpensive ways to spruce up your home for a sale or just for spring-cleaning! Creating the right first impression is key to the successful marketing of any property. Cleaning your windows is a very easy and inexpensive way to make your home appear light and bright! Let the sun shine in by cleaning your windows with dishwasher detergent. Yes, believe it or not dishwasher detergent is a highly effective way to make those windows sparkle without streaks! Dust everything you can with a damp rag or pledge or even a Swiffer. This will give off a certain "new-ness" quality about your home. It will also be helpful in case anyone with allergies (and there are many out there) wants to see your home. Clean your air filters. Some air filters can simply be changed out for new ones, some can be taken outside and hosed down, some can even fit in the dishwasher for cleaning. This will make sure that air that is circulating is clean. Spruce up the paint whether it is exterior or interior. A well-known problem area for most homes is the interior wall area around the stairs. As clients are going up the stairs they will often notice scuffs and streaks on the walls there. Re-painting that area will give the appearance of a newly painted house. Place all refrigerator magnets on the side of the refrigerator, and wipe down the front with any household cleaner. This adds a lot to the kitchen that isn't expected. Clean/spot clean the carpets. Whether you have a professional come in, or you spot clean it yourself, cleaning the carpets will bring life back to easily warn down areas. Check my Local Resources link for my recommended carpet cleaning service. "Light & Bright". Many of today's buyers are looking for homes that are light and bright. There are many inexpensive ways to add this appearance to your home! Fresh flowers are very effective. Place them anywhere you can fit them. Put a fresh bunch out on the kitchen table, make sure all the islands and counter tops are cleared off, and put a fresh bunch there. Any room that you feel doesn't receive quite enough light or attention, put a fresh bouquet of flowers there. Pictures can be a very nice touch, but make sure there's not too many on the wall. Pictures should be used as accents to a home; too many can become overbearing for prospective buyers. For more tips on getting your home ready for sale please contact Sarah Bond at (630) 247-0464