Throughout the House

 

1. 1. Open the draperies, pull up the shades and let in the sunlight. 

1. 1. Create a positive mood. Turn on all the lights, day or night, and install higher wattage light bulbs to show your home brightly. 

1. 1. Remove clutter from each room to visually enlarge them. 

1. 1. If you have a fireplace, highlight it in your decorating.

1. 1. Keep your home dusted and vacuumed at all times. 

1. 1. Replace the carpet if it does not clean up well. 

1. 1. Have a family “game plan” to get the home in order quickly if necessary. 

1. 1. Lightly spray the house with air freshener so that it has a chance to diffuse before the buyer arrives. 

1. 1. Put family photos in storage. 

1. 1. Improve traffic flow and create the feeling of a spacious area by removing unnecessary furniture. 

1. 1. Putty over and paint any nail holes or other mishaps in the walls. 

1. 1. Paint all interior walls a neutral color to brighten the home and makes it look bigger.

1. 1. Repair or replace any loose or damaged wallpaper.

1. 1. Clean all light bulbs and light fixtures to brighten the home.

1. 1. Wash all windows inside and out.

1. 1. Use plants in transitional areas of your house.

1. 1. Make the most of your attic’s potential.

1. 1. Remove and/or hide excess extension cords and exposed wires.

1. 1. Remove all smoke and pet odors.
      
      

In the kitchen 

 

1. 1. Highlight an eat-in area in your kitchen with a table set for dinner.

1. 1. The kitchen and bathrooms should always be spotlessly clean.

1. 1. Expand your counter space by removing small appliances.
      
      

In the bedrooms

 

1. 1. Create a master suite effect in your decorating.

1. 1. Depersonalize bedrooms and decorate in a neutral scheme.

1. 1. Make sure the beds are made and the linens are clean.

1. 1. Organize your closets, remove unnecessary items and put them in storage.
      
      

In the bathroom

 

1. 1. Re-caulk the tub if the caulk is not sparkling white.

1. 1. Repair or replace broken tiles in the shower/tub.

1. 1. Replace shower curtains and keep them clean.

1. 1. Put out fresh towels and decorative soaps.
      
      

Outside

 

1. 1. Keep the yard mowed and raked at all times.

1. 1. Use flowering plants to dress up the yard, walkway, and patio.

1. 1. Remove all toys, bicycles, tools, unsightly patio furniture, and trash from the yard.

1. 1. Porches, steps, verandas, balconies patios, and other extensions of the house should be kept uncluttered, swept, and in good condition.

1. 1. Paint all entrance doors.

1. 1. Make sure the garage doors open easily. Fix and paint the garage door if necessary.

1. 1. Trees and shrubs should be trimmed and pruned.

1. 1. Use a new doormat.

1. 1. Be sure the front doorbell is in good working order.

1. 1. Be sure the front door and screen door works perfectly.