eir own.Create a notebook that presents itself like an attractivejournal or scrapbook. You can use a simple three-ring binder ora store-bought scrapbook or photo album. Think beauty andfunctionality.Take a photograph of your home's best feature and put it on thecover. Most of the time, the photograph is a picture of thefront exterior. But if your home features a dramatic fireplaceor a gorgeous garden, highlight this benefit to the buyer. Giveyour home a special name and include this on the cover of yourjournal. Inside your journal, create some pages that highlightareas of your home that will benefit your buyers. You mightlabel pages with pictures and phrases like "relax in the garden"or "enjoy cooking in this spacious kitchen."Insert plastic sleeves for colorful flyers. Make the frontsection of your journal dramatic. Pick up flyers from your localChamber of Commerce o...

...f nearby attractions. Add positive pressarticles that show positive aspects of your local community, aswell as information on nearby schools. In the middle section ofyour home scrapbook, gather utility bills (gas, electric, water,and any other monthly costs). Arrange these bills in folders orplastic sleeves. Make a simple spreadsheet showing your paymentsthroughout the year. When your buyers ask about your utilitybills, you have them ready to show proof. Your care makes buyersfeel that you have nothing to hide and they receive comfort inknowing what to expect with your home. You may wish to include asection with legal papers like your insurance policy and deed.Next, make a log of repairs, home improvements, and maintenance.Include receipts in a folder or sleeve. Present "before" and"after" pictures so buyers can see the results of your work.Complete your home journal with more color photographs of yourhome during the opposite season or hosting a party. Displayphotos of the flowers in bloom or your house decked out for theholidays. Pictures of people enjoying your home give buyers theconclusion that if they choose your home, they will have funhosting parties, too. Even if your buyer doesn't take time tolook at your entire presentation, just the fact that you makeyour records available gives your buyer peace of mind. When youtake the time to make your home journal beautiful to look at andpresent it like a scrapbook or album, you also convince yourbuyer that they will create their own happy moments in thisspecial home.Copyright © Jeanette J. Fisher...