FEELING AT HOME; GROOMING TIPS CAN HELP READY HOUSE FOR SALE.

Byline: Gregory J. Wilcox Daily News Staff Writer

The San Fernando Valley area's real estate market is hot, with both prices and sales hitting their highest levels in years. So now might be the time to wring a little equity out of your house.

But it takes more work than calling up a broker, planting a ``For Sale'' sign in the front yard and waiting for prospective buyers to call.

You may have to invest some time and effort into your place to turn it into someone else's dream home.

In the language of the real estate game, give your house some ``curb appeal.''

Here are 10 tips on doing just that from the Southland Regional Association of Realtors:

1. Give the house a top to bottom cleaning. This signals to a buyer that the home has been well cared for and is in generally good shape. A dirty or messy house can highlight every flaw.

2. Spread some paint around. Realtors say that nothing improves the value of a home for a lower capital outlay than a fresh coat of paint. And it is often easier to give a room a fresh coat of paint than it is to scrub down the walls. Choose neutral colors, like off-white. Hold those artistic vibes in check and avoid black, violet and pink.

3. Plan on sprucing up the grounds. Make sure the lawn and shrubbery are neatly trimmed. Prune any trees whose branches are touching the roof line, and make sure the clippings are either bagged and placed in a trash can or stowed in an orderly fashion. If you have a pool or spa, make sure the water is clean.

4. Get rid of clutter and follow the general rule: Less is best. Throw a garage sale, clear out closets and trash what you can't sell. Less stuff in the house will make it look roomier.

5. Let there be light. Pull back the drapes or open the shades. Put brighter bulbs in the light fixtures, but don't go overboard and blind prospective buyers with glare. Remember, dark rooms feel gloomy. Bright, open rooms feel more inviting.

6. Don't forget the Fido factor. If you have pets, send them away for a while or take them away from the home when a prospective buyer is coming by. Some people can be intimidated by pets or even allergic to them.

7. The same can be said for children. They can be noisy and distract someone while they are looking at the home.

8. Air it out. Try to get rid of odors that may be unfamiliar or unpleasant such as tobacco, pets, cooking and old laundry. Put out some fresh flowers or bowls of potpourri. You can also bake some bread to give your house a homey fragrance.

9. Fix what's broken, if possible. Include in this list plumbing, electrical systems, switches, windows, TV antennas, screens, doors and fences. If you can't fix it, get rid of it. A window with no screen is better than a window with a ripped screen.

Remember, buyers will make lower offers if the house is in disrepair and still insist that everything be fixed before moving in. This cuts down on the chance of buyers offering a lot less than you are asking.

10. Keep the noise down. Silence is as restful as it is golden. Make sure the television is off; if you want some music, opt for some soft instrumental numbers. If necessary, close windows to block out street noise.

You can also obtain a check list of things to do from the Realtors association by calling [phone].

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