Here is a list of home features, tips and things you can consider in sprucing up your home for that first date with your home-buyer. Accomplish a little everyday and soon your home will be ready to make that lasting first impression.
Your Home’s Curb Appeal
- Mow lawn
- Trim shrubs
- Edge gardens and walkways
- Weed and mulch
- Sweep walkways and driveway, remove branches, litter or toys
- Add color and fill in bare spots with plants
- Remove mildew or moss from walls or walks with bleach and water or other cleaner
- Take stains off your driveway with cleanser or cat litter
- Stack woodpile neatly
- Clean and repair patio and deck area
- Remove any outdoor furniture which is not in good repair
- Make sure pool or spa sparkles
- Check for flat-fitting roof shingles
- Repair broken windows and shutters
- Replace torn screens, make sure frames and seams have caulking
- Hose off exterior wood and trim, replace damaged bricks or wood
- Touch up exterior paint, repair gutters and eaves
- Clean and remove rust from any window air conditioning units
- Paint the front door and mailbox
- Add a new front door mat and consider a seasonal door decoration
- Shine brass hardware on front door and outside lighting fixtures
- Make sure doorbell is in good working order
General Interior Tips
- Add a fresh coat of interior paint in light, neutral colors
- Shampoo carpeting, replace if necessary
- Clean and wax hardwood floors, refinish if necessary
- Clean and wash kitchen and bathroom floors
- Wash all windows, vacuum blinds, wash window sills
- Clean the fireplace
- Clean out and organize closets, add extra space by packing clothes and items you won’t need again until you’ve moved
- Remove extra furniture, worn rugs, and items you don’t use; keep papers, toys, etc. picked up
- Repair problems such as loose door knobs, cracked molding, leaking taps and toilets, squeaky doors, closets or screen doors which are off their tracks
- Add dishes of potpourri, or drop of vanilla or bath oil on light bulbs for scent
- Secure jewelry, cash and other valuables
The Living Room
- Make it cozy and inviting, discard chipped or worn furniture and frayed or worn rugs
The Dining Room
- Polish any visible silver and crystal
- Set the table to help viewers imagine entertaining here
The Kitchen
- Make sure appliances are spotless inside and out
- Make sure all appliances are in perfect working order
- Clean often forgotten spots on top of refrigerator and under sink
- Wax or sponge floor to brilliant shine, clean baseboards
- Unclutter all counter space, remove countertop appliances
- Organize items inside cabinets, pre-pack anything you won’t be using before you move
The Bathrooms
- Remove all rust and mildew
- Make sure tile, fixtures, shower doors, etc. are immaculate and shining
- Make sure all fixtures are in good repair
- Replace loose caulking or grout
- Make sure lighting is bright but soft
The Master Bedroom
- Organize furnishings to create a spacious look with well-defined sitting, sleeping, and dressing areas
The Garage
- Sell, give away or throw out unnecessary items
- Clean oily cement floor
- Provide strong overhead light
- Tidy storage or work areas
The Attic
- Tidy up by discarding or pre-packing
- Make sure energy-saving insulation is apparent
- Make sure air vent is in working order
- Provide strong overhead lighting
- Leave a flashlight close by in case buyers want to look at the attic or crawlspace
When It’s Time To Show
- Make sure your property profile folder, utility bills, MLS profile, house location survey, etc. are available
- Open all draperies and shades, turn on all lights
- Pick up toys and other clutter, check to make sure beds are made and clothes are put away
- Give the carpets a quick vacuuming
- Add some strategically placed fresh flowers
- Pop a spicy dessert or just a pan of cinnamon in the oven for aroma
- Turn off the television and turn on the radio music at a low volume
- Make a fire in the fireplace if appropriate
- Put pets in the backyard or arrange for a friend to keep them
- Make sure pet areas are clean and odor-free
- Make sure all trash is disposed of in neatly covered bins
- Head out ten or more minutes before the show time for buyers to arrive and focus on the home