When selling an urban home in Philadelphia as a traditional sale or short sale, the house needs to be prepared before the agent can list it. Most listing agents would prefer that a home be in the best condition, so that it is ready to be photographed and they can start showing it with confidence. The best time to schedule an agent to come over to list the home is right after the lawn has been mowed and you have done a good job cleaning the inside. Here are some more helpful tips to prepare a house for a listing agent.

Create Curb Appeal

Now is the time to complete those yard projects that have been put off and neglected. When the agent first arrives at the house, they should feel welcomed by an inviting landscape. Here are the bare basics:

• Close the garage door

• Cut dead branches from trees

• Mulch, rake, and weed garden beds

• Park in the garage not in the driveway if possible

• Remove trash cans and put them in the side yard

• Sweep and clean sidewalks and the driveway

• Trim bushes and trees in front of windows

Set out a few pots of yellow flowers near the front door to add color. A good agent will let a homeowner know that these are important listing tools. Remember that the effort an agent puts into selling a home often matches the effort put out by the homeowner.

Prepare the Interior of the House

The home should have a clean and tidy appearance, but everybody has a different idea of clean. There should be no dishes in the sink or pet dishes on the floor. All beds in the home should be neatly made. Pick up toys, clothing, and other items that may be scattered on the floor and put them away in an organized fashion. If there is a lot of stuff that needs to be put away, storing extra items in one room is an appropriate solution. The agent will then avoid taking pictures of that room. The garage is another useful storage place. Here are other basic interior home tips:

• Clean everything off the kitchen counters

• Make the beds and tuck in sheets

• Take down personal photographs and frames hanging on the walls

• Remove magnets and artwork from the refrigerator

• Sequester pets and children

• Sweep and vacuum all floors

Most homes will look better with half of the furniture removed. Consider moving out some of the fixtures, especially if it blocks pathways and entrances to other rooms. To find a listing agent in Philadelphia , a simple internet search will provide many options. The best real estate brokers in Philadelphia are fully prepared to get your listing on the market within 24 hours of contacting them.

Visit your local real estate offices in Philadelphia and spend some quality time interviewing the various agents selecting the one most appropriate for you. High quality real estate agents are selling homes in Philadelphia with great success. There are also first class luxury condos for sale in center city.