1) Open the window coverings and let the sun shine in.
Window coverings should be cleaned so that they are not
dusty. Have your windows professionally cleaned - you won’t
believe the difference!
2) Turn on all lights - day or night. Clean all light bulbs,
light fixtures and chandeliers. Wherever practical, install
higher wattage light bulbs to further brighten your home.
3) Create the illusion of spaciousness, remove all clutter
from each room to visually enlarge them imagine a builder’s
model home). Improve traffic flow and create a feeling of
spaciousness by removing unnecessary furniture, knick-knacks,
hobby items, children's items, etc. Organize your closets
and cabinets, remove unnecessary items and put them in storage.
Rent a storage area if needed, or pack it in the garage.
You're going to move anyway -- start now!
4) Light your fireplace during the winter.
5) Keep your home dusted and vacuumed.
6) Have a family "game plan" to get the home
in show condition quickly - everyone should have an assigned
task.
7) Remove all smoke odors, pet odors, and odors resulting
from hobbies. When possible, air out your home before the
showing. Lightly spray room freshener so that it has a chance
to diffuse before the buyer arrives.
8) Make sure that beds are made.
9) Bathrooms should be kept clean, toilet lids down, no
hair in the sink. Do not leave dirty towels out; wipe down
the shower areas after each use. Repair or replace broken
tiles on walls, floors or in showers/tubs. Recaulk if the
caulking is chipped and/or stained. Put out fresh towels
and decorative soap for showings.
10) Fix dripping faucets, remove rust stains from basins.
11) The kitchen should be kept clean. Remove all grease
from range hoods, ovens, stovetops, walls, etc. Expand your
counter space by removing small appliances - everything
except those items used on a daily basis - remember: picture
a builder’s model home.
12) Shampoo all carpets and vacuum as necessary. If the
carpet does not clean up well, ask your agent if you should
replace it.
13) First impressions: Does the doorbell work? Invest in
a new doormat. Make sure the front door, screen door, etc.
open easily and are visually appealing. If necessary, paint
all entrance doors.
14) Create the feeling of a spacious entry area by using
decorating accents, mirrors, rugs, etc. and by removing
all unnecessary clutter.
15) Remove any excess extension cords and exposed wires.
16) Clean and shine all accessories (door knobs, knockers,
lamps, mail boxes, address numbers, etc.)
17) Paint inside walls with a neutral colored paint. Usually,
all walls should be painted, not just washed. This will
brighten the home and make it look bigger and cleaner. Depersonalize
teenager's rooms and decorate in a more neutral manner.
Remove posters and adhesive from walls and doors and putty
any holes resulting from nails or other mishaps. An investment
in painting your home can make a big difference. Where necessary,
repair or replace doors, closet doors, and/or windows and
screens so that they open with ease.
Remove dying plants or keep them out of sight. Keep the
yard mowed, raked, weeded, fertilized and watered. Trees
and shrubs should be pruned and trimmed. Use plants and
flowers on porches and front walk way - create curb appeal!
Hoses and garden equipment should be kept neatly out of
sight. Remove all toys, bicycles, tools, unattractive patio
furniture, trash, etc., from the yard. Outdoor furniture
should be kept clean.
Porches, steps, verandas, balconies, patios and other extensions
of the house should be kept uncluttered, swept and in good
condition. Keep trashcans deodorized, covered and out of
sight.
Highlight your pool area, water garden, etc. with lighting,
benches, planters, flowering plants, etc.
Create an outside living/dining area with furniture and
plants.
