PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR SHOWINGS

Curb Appeal

You do not get a second chance to make a first impression. This is especially true when selling a house. Buyers typically make up their minds within 10 seconds of entering the front door, then spend the rest of their visit reaffirming their decision. An attractive yard is the first step to drawing buyers to a property. 

• Keep the lawn cut and trees/shrubbery trimmed.
• Weed flower beds and remove any dead plants/shrubs.
• Add colorful potted flowers or plants to the front porch and/or deck.
• Be sure plants to do not block windows.
• Keep driveways, walkways and porches free of leaves and debris.
• Add a fresh coat of paint, stain or varnish to the front door and door frame.
• Clean gutters so they are free of debris.
• Caulk around windows, if needed.
• Minimize the amount of furniture on your patio, deck and other outdoor areas.
• Put away lawn mowers, rakes, shovels, and other landscaping tools.
• Buy a new doormat and hang a colorful wreath to welcome buyers.

Get Packing

When selling your house, less is definitely more! De-personalizing and de-cluttering your home will enable potential buyers to visually move in; it will also make your house appear more spacious.

• Get rid of unwanted items before you move! Give them away, donate them, or have a yard sale.
• Clear surfaces of all but the bare essentials; minimize accessories, and reduce the number of books  on shelves.
• Remove personal photographs to depersonalize and keep buyers focused on the house.
• Clean out closets/pantries, making sure the floors are clear so the storage space appears roomier.
• Pack out-of-season clothes and holiday items.
• Put away collections and other valuables to avoid breakage; store prescription medications out of sight to avoid theft.
• Store political and religious mementos so your home appeals to as many buyers as possible.
• Items containing personal information should be kept in a safe place out of sight (ex: mail, bills, etc.) to avoid identify theft. 
• Remove area rugs and oversized furniture so rooms appear larger.

Sparkle & Shine

To make your home stand out from others on the market, be sure it sparkles! Clean the house from top to bottom, including corners where cobwebs hide. Be sure windows and mirrors shine. Pay special attention to vent covers, switch plates, light fixtures, and baseboards.

• Make sure your kitchen is spotless. Give all appliances a thorough cleaning, inside and out. Take magnets and other items off the refrigerator.
• Clean inside and around the fireplace. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, dispose of ashes and partially-burned pieces of wood.
• Clean windows inside and out so light is able to enter and illuminate your home. If you live in a wooded area, remove screens.
• Keep floors swept. Vacuum and steam clean carpets to give them a new look.
• Remove stains from the garage floor. Stack boxes vertically along garage walls to highlight its storage capacity.
• Make sure your bathrooms are spotless. Wipe off the counter and floor; clean the sink, toilet, shower/bathtub, and mirrors.

Parents of Small Children

• Wipe down walls, doors and door knobs.
• Keep plastic bins handy to store toys at a moment’s notice.
• Reduce the number of toys in main areas of the home and in the yard.
• Be sure all toilets are flushed and potty training seats are out of sight.

Pet Owners

• Store pet toys, beds, food and food dishes out of sight.
• Keep litter boxes scooped and out of sight. Be sure the yard is free of waste.
• Open windows to air out the house.
• Use neutralizing air fresheners.

Smokers

• Open windows to air out the house.
• If you smoked indoors prior to listing your house, steam clean carpets and drapes; wash bedding & linens.
• Then, smoke outside while the house is listed. If you currently smoke outdoors, be sure cigarette butts are properly disposed of.