Lawn and Yard:
Your lawn and yard should appear well maintained and
free of toys, litter, personal belongings, etc. Grass
should be cut and leaves raked. A buyer's first
impression starts with your yard.
Sidewalks and Driveways:
In winter months, be sure walks and driveways are
clear of snow and ice. Repair cracks or defects if
necessary.
Front Entrance:
This should be clean and free of clutter because it is
your buyer's first introduction to what they might
expect of your home's interior. A fresh coat of paint,
repairs to any steps or railings should be done if
needed..
Windows:
Clean windows are important. Blinds, shades, and
curtains should be kept open to permit the maximum
amount of natural sunlight to illuminate your
home.Good illumination of your home's interior
prevents a dark, dreary, impression. Buyers prefer a
bright and airy feeling in a home. Turn on all lights
during showings.
Floors:
In all rooms, floors should be clean and uncluttered
regardless of whether they are wood, tile, linoleum,
carpet, or other material. It is an unpleasant
distraction for buyers to avoid tripping over your
clutter. Vacuum and clean your floors if needed.
Kitchens and Bathrooms:
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For many buyers, the kitchen and bathrooms are the
most important rooms as far as the buying decision is
concerned. Cleanliness of floors, sinks, countertops,
kitchen appliances, tubs, showers, and toilets is
essential. Avoid clutter in kitchens and
bathrooms. They should be spotless, fresh and dry. If
necessary, repair caulking around the tub and grout
between the tiles. Towels and rugs should be clean and
neat. Scrub tile if needed. Mirrors and glass shower
doors should be sparkling clean. Clean clutter-free
kitchens and bathrooms will improve the price offered
to you by buyers.
Storage Places:
Basements, attics, garages, closets, cabinets, and
other storage places appear much larger when they are
neat and well organized. If possible, remove items
that you intend to discard before moving to your new
residence.
Bedrooms:
Keep them neat. Beds should be made and clothing put
away.
Safety:
Remove and repair all items that could cause visitors
to stumble or be hurt in any way. This is essential.
Odors:
Pets, smoking, cooking, or substances can cause odors
that discourage sales. A freshener spray or scented
candle can make your home smell fresh and clean.
Pets:
Animals (especially dogs and cats) should be separated
and kept away from buyers. Although you love your
pets, they are strange animals to an unfamiliar
person/buyer. Some buyers are allergic, afraid, or
uncomfortable in the presence of other people's pets.
Repairs:
If you know that something clearly needs repair, don't
delay. Fix that leaky faucet, broken window, loose
door knob, or whatever needs repair. Is a fresh coat
of paint in any rooms necessary?
