Preparing Your Home

Tighten and clean all door handles.

Ensure gutters and downspouts are firmly attached and free of debris.

Confirm all downspouts are extended as needed away from the home.

Check all lights outdoors to see that they are working and clean.

Trim all bushes to window sill.

Check all windows inside and out, wash all window sills.

Remove screens from all windows.

Pressure wash home and any cement pads.

Repaint exterior, if needed.

Keep the grass freshly cut.

Weed and apply fresh mulch to garden beds and remove all yard clutter.

If necessary, paint the front door and any wooden fences.

Remove all small rugs.

Remove all dying plants.

Remove all personal items from baths and kitchen counter.

Check all lights indoors to see that they are working and clean.

Change all energy efficient light bulbs which take time to brighten up and replace with instant bright bulbs.

Check all doors to see that they are clean.

Check around door moldings and switch plates for fingerprints.

Clean all windows inside and out.

Remove excessive wall hangings,furniture and knick knacks.

Clean or paint walls/ceilings to light neutral colors.

Shampoo carpets.

Remove anything on the floors except shoes, maximum 10 pairs.

Remove anything on the top shelf except folded sweater and shirts or a couple of shoe boxes.

If possible, use slim felt hangers -NO WIRE.

Hang or fold clothes in groups, pants with pants, shirts with shirts, etc.

Colors should be together as much as possible.

Check closet lights to be sure they work.

If closet is empty, check to see if it needs a quick coat of white paint.

Remove all personal items.

Add fresh white towels to bath; keep these separate from everyday towels.

Add fresh bars of soap to soap dishes; keep these separate with the fresh towels to be used only for showing the home.

Remove all small rugs.

Stack towels by colors - folded bath towels on bottom, hand towels next and wash clothes on top.

Nothing on floor.

Blankets should be on the top shelf, folded neatly.

One shelf only for personal items.

Have one open space this will leave client with the impression you have more storage than you need

Garages have become one of the most important areas in homes it needs to be uncluttered and CLEAN.

Pressure wash floor and driveway.

Eliminate cobwebs.

Throw old unusable paint and cleaning supplies out - store only current paint colors or leave labels for easy reference.

If the garage is being used for packed boxes stack them neatly - preferably in similar packing boxes

Vacate the property for each showing.

Leave lights on throughout the entire home in preparation for showings.

Keep an extra copy of your home key with you during showing periods.

While home is being marketed for sale, leave some low lights on in the home and in the backyard during the evenings (if yard is visible from the street) - most people if they are interested will drive by to the see the home at night, the low lights will give the home a soft glow and is very inviting.

Always have several votive candles on hand for showings during the evening for patios and decks.

All drapes, blinds and shutters should be in an open position - assuming no unappealing views.

Keep pets secured or preferably off-site during showings.

If surround sound is available play quiet background music