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