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