It's time to look differently and unemotionally at your home. Look at it no longer as your home, but as a product to be marketed. Be aware of what you can and cannot change about your home. This knowledge will allow you to concentrate on those items that will bring the highest rewards

First Impressions
The first thing a potential buyer sees is your home from the street. They call that first impression "curb appeal." Take care to:

• Remove any junk or clutter from the yard.
• Have a clean, crisp lawn, a bit of fertilizer makes for a greener lawn
• Trim shrubbery and hedges.
• Wash decks and porches make sure they stained or painted.
• Clean and paint or stain your front door.
• All exterior lights should be operational.
• Exterior windows should be clean and operational.
• Clean out gutters and downspouts.
• Walkways should be swept and free of snow or ice during winter.
• Make sure the garage door is closed.

Through Open Doors
Most buyers do not have vision. So help them. Present your home dressed in its best! Do not do anything expensive, such as remodeling. Here are some minor investments, which may have some major returns.

Paint
When it comes to preparing a house, painting gives you the best return for money spent.

Flooring
At the very least, all carpeting needs to be steam cleaned. Any worn, stained or foul smelling carpet should be replaced. Any flooring that is cracked or damaged, should be replaced, if possible.

Clutter
If something is not necessary for your day-to-day life, box it up and store it or throw it out!

Closets
Closets need to be neat, clean, and organized.

Cleaning
The cleaner, the better. Dusting, washing, waxing, polishing everything will always make a good impression.

Lights
Clean the fixtures and make sure the bulbs work.

Windows
Replace any cracked windows.

If you buy or sell a home with Meadowmont Realty, you can take advantage of our preferred rate when you book reservations at The Carolina Inn, a historic hotel located in downtown Chapel Hill. Guests are within steps of shopping, art galleries, entertainment and the historic Franklin Street district. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner at the Inn’s award-winning Crossroads Restaurant.

Reservations may be made through your preferred travel agency or the Carolina Inn’s reservation department at 919.918.2726 or 800.962-8519 and requesting The Meadowmont Realty of Chapel Hill preferred rate. To make reservations online at www.carolinainn.com, type in “CH Meadowmont” in the corporate/promotion code box. You may also use the following link:
https://gc.synxis.com/rez.aspx?Hotel=21441&Chain=5156&promo=CH Meadowmont.

Meadowmont Realty is pleased to offer this preferred rate to our clients and trust you and your guests enjoy your stay at the Carolina Inn, where you’ll experience Southern charm, modern amenities, gracious service, and memorable food.