TOP 25 SELLER TIPS ON HOW TO PREPARE FOR A SHOWING

Between hosting Open Houses and preparing sellers to stage for showings, our team has learned all of the DO'S and DON'TS of what a home should look like when potential buyers walk through.  To help, we've compiled our best tips for those who are putting their home on the Market. When you live in a place long enough, it's easy to ignore the clutter or forget that some people may be turned off by seeing a litter box in the basement. This is a great checklist to run through before showings.  

Remember: You only get one chance at a first impression. 

Make it count!

1. Secure valuables (tech devices such as laptops, tablets, phones), bills (some have account numbers), spare keys to the house and prescription drugs
2. Have all counter tops cleaned off. Remove counter top appliances such as toasters or coffee makers.
3. Keys and personal items should be stored away.
4. De-clutter / put away everyday items: dishes, mail, shoes, coats, kids' toys, sporting equipment, etc.
5. Take 15 minutes and organize / purge your fridge - because a buyer WILL look!
6. Make sure the thermostat is set appropriately for the weather and make the home comfortable for showings.
7. Take the trash out and consider hiding garbage cans.
8. Minimize family photos
9. Do a thorough cleaning - even if you have to hire a cleaning service 
10. Improve curb appeal: Mow the lawn and trim back overgrown shrubbery, mulch, paint shutters, weed gardens, address the trim, fix walkways, clean exterior windows, power wash home. 
11. Make the bathrooms shine: Toilet seats down, clean mirrors and other glass surfaces.
12. Bake something that smells good. Chocolate chip cookies, apple pie. I've used the pre-made cookie dough and frozen pies for this. A pan of apple juice with cinnamon and cloves simmering in the oven works well and is easy. 
13. Put fresh flowers or flowering plants on the dining room table
14. Play soft music
15. Turn on all of the lights 
16. Offer snacks and water
17. Take all the magnets and pictures off the refrigerator.
18. If guns are in the house, make sure they are secured.
19. Open the windows - buyers love lots of natural light.
20. Stick all personal toiletries in a drawer or a basket. (no one wants to see your toothpaste or hand lotion)
21. Organize toys or store them while your home is on the Market
22. Less is more. Remove excess furniture if possible.
23. Replace light bulbs that are burnt out. The better the lighting, the better the results.
24. Walkways to and from the home should be clean and clear.
25. Hide feeding bowls, litter boxes, dog beds, etc. Some home-seekers have allergies and can be put-off by their presence.

Here's our gift to YOU: a printable checklist to have on hand before showings!  This is a great way to make sure everything inside (and outside!) of your home is ready to show. 

Just right click to save to your computer and print!

MFRET 2014 Open House Relay: MARCH

We're on month #2 of our MFRET Open House Relay!  Our 5 open houses will be in Kennett Square and Avondale. This month, you're playing for a chance to win $50 to Half Moon Restaurant and Saloon in Kennett Square! 

David shares more how it works:

Here are the open houses participating this month in Kennett Square/Avondale (and what you'll be looking for to take pictures of):

501 Pennock Avenue, Kennett Square 

(Picture of menu chalkboard in the kitchen)

708 Meredith Street, Kennett Square 

(Star on living room wall)

210 Gregg Lane, Avondale 

(Dining Room Covered Chair)

439 E South Street, Kennett Square 

(Chandelier in Dining Rm)

513 E South Street, Kennett Square 

(Grey Tile Backsplash)

Intrigued? We'll be ready for you THIS Sunday, March 16, from 1pm-3pm.

HASHTAG TO FOLLOW: 

 #mfretrelay 

on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Next Open House Relay will be Sunday, April 27. Mark your calendars!

Download our Mobile App For a Chance to win $50,000!

It's so easy to enter!

ENTER our Code:  KW2CLDE9W

Once you've entered my code, you can text me directly with questions or requests regarding any property.

• Easily connect with your agent and send property inquiries instantly.
• Draw a circle on the map or drop a pinpoint to search that area.
• See property details and full-screen photos, get driving directions, mark your favorites, create notes about what you liked, or share it with family and friends.
• Estimate your home loans with a free mortgage calculator.
• View Open Houses in your area. View Rental Properties in your area.

Official Sweepstakes Rules

App FAQs

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 18 years and older. Ends 3/31/14. To enter and for Official Rules, including odds, alternate method of entry if applicable, and prize descriptions, visit http://bit.ly/1jgVljU. Void where prohibited.

MFRET Sweet Treats Recipe Round Up for Valentine's Day!

Still looking for the perfect treat to bake up for your sweetheart on Friday?

Since our team is full of SWEET people, we thought it'd be fun to share our favorite sweet treat recipes with YOU for Valentine's Day!  We've submitted our favorites, pinned them on Pinterest, and here they are in no particular order:

David's Pick: Red Velvet Cake Bars





Rachel's Pick: Sticky Toffee Pudding 





Lauri's Pick: DIY Thin Mints





Deneen's Pick: Triple Chocolate Cookies 




Audrey's Pick: Valentine's Day Chocolate Pretzel Buttons

~~~~~

If you want to check our more of our favorite foods, check out our Team Eats Pinterest Board!

What treats will YOU be eating this Valentine's Day?

Team Eats: Rachel's Tips for PERFECT Sticky Toffee Pudding

After having Sticky Toffee Pudding at The Whip Tavern a few years ago I decided it was so good I needed to know how to make it.  Below is a link to a recipe that I use, I have also included some tricks that I find very useful.

Rachel's Go-To Recipe 

for 

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING

Rachel's Tips:

1.  After the cakes are done use a straw to stick in the middle and remove some of the cake.  This ensures that the cake really soaks up the sauce.

2.  Do not start to prepare the sauce until right before you plan on serving, if it sits for to long it starts to get really thick and harden. 

3.  Serving vanilla ice cream and whip cream on the side are a MUST.  It will melt in the sauce and helps to tone down the sweetness of it. 

I would also like to challenge anyone who makes this to then try the Whip's version and see how they compare.  I was very impressed with the fact that I (along with others) have confirmed mine tastes better!

Team Eats: Deneen's Triple Chocolate Cookies

Deneen enjoys making these chocolate cookies with her daughter - they even decided to make a video about it!  Bake these before guests arrive to make the house smell scrumptious!

• 
  
• 2 1/2 Cups all purpose flour 
• 1 tsp baking soda 
• 1/4 tsp sale 
• 1 cup unsalted butter AT ROOM TEMPERATURE 
• 1 1/2 cup brown sugar 
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar 
• 2/3 cup cocoa powder 
• 1 tsp vanilla extract... 
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips 
• 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips 
• 3 eggs 
• 1 cup MELTED semisweet chocolate chips (can melt in microwave) 
• A little extra sugar for rolling 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Mix flour, salt and baking soda in a bowl and set aside.
Cream sugars and butter.

After it is all creamed together, add the cocoa powder; then add the melted chocolate, add eggs, and the vanilla. When it is all mixed through, add the dry ingredients. Do not over mix. Add the chips and just gently mix them through. 

Roll out small balls (after rolling through the extra granulated sugar). Spray a light mist of non-stick spray on cookie sheets.
Cook for 11-13 minutes. Enjoy!!!


And for those who need a visual, here's is Deneen's Video Tutorial!