| Interior: |
 Clean
out the clutter if you haven’t used it in a year. Box up and store
what you are keeping and get rid of the rest. (You want buyers to
visualize their belongings in your house). Organize closets and storage
neatly, making it feel bigger. |
| Paint interior walls light or neutral wall colors to make the house
feel bigger. Dark colors make a room smaller. |
| Thoroughly clean your house from top to bottom. Be sure any strong,
chemical odors are gone before a showing. Clean all carpets professionally
or replace them if they are looking too worn. Clean all windows and
put away screens for more visibility. |
| In the kitchen, clear clutter off of the counters (makes kitchen
look bigger); no dirty dishes anywhere; floor, oven and refrigerator
should be spotless; cabinets should be organized and looking fresh
(new hardware can update a cabinet with little expense); repair any
broken hinges, chipped counters, and update light fixtures. |
| Living room furniture should be grouped in small, comfortable arrangements
to create a warm environment; room should not be too cluttered. Clean
fireplace inside and out, add non-scented candles to a mantel, and
refinish hardwood floors if needed. Accent with a new colorful throw
or a few pillows and green plants. |
| Replace any light fixtures or other personal property you are planning
to take with you, such as a favorite antique mirror, mom’s crystal
chandelier or window treatments, before the house goes on the market.
Otherwise, it might cause a problem if buyer tours home, sees them,
expects them to stay, and they then disappear. All fixtures (attached
to the house) are not considered personal property; they are real
property being sold with the house. Replace or fix all broken light
fixtures, fans, hardware, window panes. Replace lights with brighter
bulbs if room is not that bright. Keep blinds open and drapes pulled
back for extra natural light when showing your home. Also, turn on
all the lights before showing. |
| Fresh flowers in any room are a great visual and can add a nice,
fresh scent. Sense of smell is very important. One bad odor can turn
a prospective buyer around and out of the house in a real hurry. Playing
soft classical or appropriate background music can convey a warm,
welcoming feeling. |
| Fresh paint, new towels and shower curtain can make a world of
difference in a bathroom. Replace toilet seat if worn, keep top down
and be sure toilet is flushed before showing. |
| Bedrooms should be uncluttered and clean, with beds made (new bedding
can make a big difference) and several lighting sources. Mirrors can
increase the sense of space in a small room. |
| Do not be present when you home is being shown. You want the prospective
buyer and their agent to feel comfortable about critiquing the property
without hurting anyone’s feelings. Take children and dog for a walk,
put cat in crate in garage or in your car. Lots of people are allergic
to cats. Turn off any appliance before you go so extra noises are
not an issue. |
| Exterior: |
| Pressure wash your house, deck, driveway, walkway and front stoop.
A fresh coat of paint will make a big difference. Remember curb appeal.
It only takes seconds for a potential buyer to say “I like it” or
“No thanks.” Trim hedges and trees and clean up all debris in front
and back yards. Plant colorful flowers to add curb appeal. |
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