-
First and foremost, your home must be spotlessly
clean and it must smell good.
-
Pay particular attention to the kitchen and
bathrooms. Clean appliances and fixtures until they gleam and keep the
floors mopped and shining.
-
Put some scented candles or potpourri around your
home and light the candles when you have a buyer coming by.
-
Windows and mirrors should sparkle - inside and
out!
-
Check window coverings for dust and odors and
wash or dry clean them if necessary.
-
Buyers like bright rooms with lots of sunlight,
so open up the blinds and turn on all the lights before showing your home.
-
Get rid of excess furniture and clutter.
Think of model homes you've seen and try to emulate that clean and uncluttered
appearance.
-
Clean out the garage and storage areas and
arrange things neatly on shelves or hang items on the wall.
-
Remove
clutter from outside your home and increase curb appeal by planting some
flowers, power washing your home and driveway, sweep off the front steps and
walkways, paint the front door and trim, and trim overgrown hedges and shrubs.
-
Steam clean the carpets to eliminate odors and
get rid of any spots or spills.
-
Create a great "first impression" by placing a
vase of colorful flowers in the entry foyer.
-
Freshen up or brighten a dingy room with a coat
of paint in a bright or neutral color (ask me for recommendations!)
-
We love our pets, but not everyone appreciates them.
If you have pets, make sure they are bathed and there are no pet odors in your
home. Pay particular attention to litter boxes and keep them clean at
all times. Place pet dishes in an inconspicuous location.
-
Vacuum or brush off blinds (a dry paint brush
works wonders) and air returns or wash them if necessary.
-
Clean out closets and arrange items neatly on
shelves or neatly hanging.
-
Engage the kid's help by keeping toys picked up
and clothing hung in the closets or placed in drawers.
-
Make neat signs and place them on any appliances
or fixtures that do not convey with the sale of your home to avoid any
confusion later. For example, if Grandma's chandelier is not staying in
the dining room, make sure buyers are aware of it with a sign on the dining
room table or remove and replace it before buyers come to visit.
-
When a potential buyer is visiting your home, try
to go shopping, run an errand, take the kids to a movie, etc. If you are
home, sit outside on the deck or take a short walk in the neighborhood.
Buyers feel more comfortable when you are not there and they can speak freely
with their agent about the home.