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Step 1
Create a detailed plan and get organized. Clear the house of clutter, junk, collections and extra furniture. Free up space to make rooms look more spacious. Have a yard sale. Call a charity to come pick up what's left over.
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Step 2
Depersonalized the house. Put away collections, family photos and personalized kids' pillows and blankets in the bedroom.
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Step 3
Put the house in neutral. Paint every room a fresh neutral color with crisp white trim. Replace carpets and flooring as necessary with neutral tones. Add neutral window treatments or mini-blinds. Give the new tenants little or nothing to do to move into the house.
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Step 4
Clean out all closets, cupboards and drawers. Wash the windows and let in the sunshine. Empty out the basement and the garage. Be ruthless and let anything unnecessary go to charity or throw it out.
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Step 5
Make sure the house is spotless, especially the bathrooms and kitchen. Clean the stove and fridge thoroughly. Use an old toothbrush around fixtures. Polish chrome with white vinegar so that they sparkle.
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Step 6
Take a long hard look at the house from the street and assess "curb appeal." Mow the grass and trim the shrubbery. Clean out the gutters. Paint and make necessary repairs. Paint the front door and replace the storm door. Add a huge pot of flowers or evergreens at the entrance.
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Step 7
Hire a real estate professional that is highly recommended by friends and family. Explain the goal of selling the house in three days and put together an action plan. Involve the whole family in the effort.
