Top 1% Realtors Nationwide


Masters Club & Hall of Fame


Licensed in MD, VA & DC


D: 301.349.7928
O: 301.424.0900

301.529.0090

maryanne@teammaryanne.com

Preparing to Show Your Home

Exterior Appeal

Organize

  • Lawn and garden: Mow, trim, weed, water, and pick up
  • Pet areas: Clean up and re-sod spots as needed
  • Vehicles: Remove extra vehicles from the curb
  • Lawn decorations: Remove distracting ones from the lawn

Clean

  • Windows: Wash inside and out
  • Walks and driveway: Sweep and remove stains
  • Siding, brick, and stucco: Hose down

Repair

  • Doors and windows: Repair screens, glass, and door hardware
  • Repair or paint: Siding, fences, and sidewalks and driveway

Curb appeal

  • Add a plant, wreath, or doormat at your front door
  • Place a potted plant to a deck or porch
  • Replace house numbers or install a brass door fixture
  • For the garden, add a fresh layer of rock or bark if needed

Kitchen

Organize

  • Countertops: Clear away extra appliances and accessories
  • Closets and cupboards: Remove and pack extra dishes, groceries

Clean

  • Cupboards: Wipe inside and shine cabinets
  • Vents and exhaust hoods: Clean and deodorize
  • Appliances: Clean inside and out
  • Sinks: Polish and clean, remove stains
  • Floors and walls: Scrub and wax floors
  • Garbage and produce areas: Clean and deodorize

Repair

  • Faucets: Repair leaks
  • Appliances: Check bulbs, replace parts
  • Wall and ceiling cracks: Patch and paint

Kitchen Appeal

  • Walls: Use neutral paint and wallpaper
  • Add a new throw rug
  • Add green or flowering plants

Bathrooms

Organize

  • Counters: Clean, pack, and store
  • Vanities, medicine cabinets, and linen closets: Organize, pack, and store

Clean

  • Vanities: Clean inside, scrub and polish outside
  • Sinks, tub, and shower: Remove stains and mold
  • Mirrors and chrome: Polish to a sparkle
  • Floors and walls: Scrub clean and deodorize

Repair

  • Toilets and plumbing: Make needed repairs
  • Grout and caulking: Patch as needed
  • Wall and ceiling cracks: Patch and paint as needed

Trim

  • Add scented soaps or a candle
  • Walls: Use neutral paint and wallpaper
  • Shower curtain and towels: Use basic colors

Living, Dining, and Family Rooms

Organize

  • Coffee and end tables: Remove papers, etc.
  • Furniture: Rearrange for openness
  • Plants: Remove extra or unhealthy plants
  • Bookshelves/office areas: Straighten, pack, store

Clean

  • Carpet: Spot clean
  • Furniture and woodwork: Polish
  • Lighting fixtures: Clean and polish to a sparkle
  • Hardwood floors: Wash and shine

Repair

  • Wall and ceiling cracks: Repair and paint

Living rooms appeal

  • Walls: Use neutral paint and wallpaper
  • Use logs and fireplace accessories
  • Put linens on table and server
  • Use flowers and potpourri
  • Drape a blanket over a chair or couch
  • Rearrange pictures to highlight special areas

Bedrooms

Organize

  • Children’s play areas: Straighten and store extra toys
  • Closets: Straighten, box and store
  • Furniture: Remove extra items and rearrange to enhance space

Clean

  • Carpet: Clean and deodorize in nursery
  • Drapes and curtains: Wash or dry clean
  • Lighting fixtures: Wash and clean bulbs

Repair

  • Wall and ceiling cracks: Repair

Bedroom trim

  • Walls – use neutral paint and wallpaper
  • Bedspreads: Use basic colors and patterns
  • Remove distracting posters
  • Arrange toys to look fun and inviting
  • Open a book on a nightstand
  • Hang new curtains

Basement / Garage

Organize

  • Shop and laundry areas: Straighten, box and store
  • Family/recreation room: Straighten play areas, store extra toys
  • Garage: Store lawn/garden tools and equipment
  • Play room/areas. Organize games

Clean

  • Floors: Sweep and clean grease spots
  • Walls and ceilings: Remove dust webs
  • Windows: Clean
  • Pet areas: Clean and deodorize

Repair

  • Appliances: Be sure the furnace, water heater, etc. are working properly
  • Pipes, laundry connections: Check and make repairs

Appeal in the basement

  • Walls and floors: Spray paint or purchase throw rugs
  • Arrange laundry supplies to suggest ease of work
  • Display a project in work or hobby areas

When buyers visit

Inside

  • Open the shades and drapes, turn on the lights, and open the windows to freshen rooms
  • Purchase some fresh flowers
  • Set tables with flowers and linens
  • Bake a frozen pie (the smell is wonderful)
  • Make sure rugs are clean and straight
  • Empty wastebaskets
  • Pick up dirty clothes
  • Deodorize pet areas
  • Play quite music and turn off television
  • Set a comfortable temperature
  • Do a quick vacuuming, sweeping, and dusting

Outside

  • Pick up lawn tools and toys
  • Pick up after pets
  • Remove obstructions from curb view
  • Clear driveways and walk areas

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