1. Cars parked in front? 2. Is the lawn trimmed and are spots in need of re-seeding? Get
landscaping in top shape.
3. Remove all refuse, leaves or clutter from yards, sidewalks, porches and decks. Plant flowers.
4. Fencing straight? Need stain or paint? Does any part of the house, trim, decks, gates, and front door need painting? Remember, when a buyer comes to look at your house, the first thing they see is your front door.
5. Wash screens and windows outside. Buy things that
will enhance the house for showing that you can take with you…A new welcome mat, big potted plants for inside, pots of geraniums for the patio or deck.
Freshen Up The Inside…
The emotions you’re trying to stimulate are triggered by sensory experiences. Aim for the senses, especially smell & sight. Clean, fresh smelling homes will sell faster!
6. Badly faded walls or worn woodwork reduce appeal…selective painting will help to add a fresh look. 7. Dress up windows in freshly laundered window treatments.
8. Check all light bulbs and detail all light fixtures.
9. Oven ranges and sink clear and neat?
10. Take things out of closets & cabinets that are not essential to your life and pack them away. You will have to pack them anyway when you move.
11. Remove unnecessary articles, which have accumulated in
the garage, utility & storage areas.
12. Clear stairway and hallways to open them up.
13. Too much furniture??? Put it in the garage or better
yet…store it or sell it.
14. Brighten dull storage areas by painting the walls & using
high watt bulbs.
15. Bathrooms that sparkle sell homes & the opposite is true…dirty baths can turn off a buyer.
16. New towels are an excellent investment.
17. Does the interior need painting? $100 worth of paint may balance
$500.00 in a price cut. Make rooms sparkle.
18. Keep all steps clear of hazards.
19. Have all light sockets filled with bulbs. Illumination is like a welcome sign.
20. Wash dishes, put away clothes, straighten up newspapers, etc.
21. Does the carpet need cleaning or replacing?
22. Are all appliances clean and in good working order?
23. Remove an ornate item that a buyer may want as part of the house that you intend to keep, for example a special chandelier.
Minor Repairs Make Sense…..
Get all those minor flaws fixed since they detract from the value of your home. Don’t make major changes, except for new carpeting and new paint (in a neutral color). 24.Dripping faucets lead buyers to question the plumbing system. 25.Loose doorknobs, sticking drawers or doors?
26.Fix all caulking, especially in the bathrooms.
27.In general, if it’s broken…fix it!
Ok, It’s ShowTime…
28.Turn off the television. It is very difficult for an agent to keep the
attention of a prospect focused on your home when an interesting special is on the tube competing for their attention.
29.Turn on the music. Tune in your best easy listening station and turn the volume down low. Most buyers will imagine themselves living in a peaceful, serene environment.
30.Let the sun shine in! Open all window shades, drapes and curtains.
31.Cool day? Have a fire in the fireplace.
32.It is best if you are not in the home while it is being shown. If you must be home, take a walk and return after they have left.
33.Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way, preferably out of the house.
34.Check the temperature…toasty warm in the winter and cool in warm weather, please.
35.Turn on every light in the house just before leaving the house. Turn on all lights including closet lights and special heat lamps in the bathrooms. This makes the house seem bright and cheery.