The three most important things needed

•         Decluttering

•        De-personalizing

•         Re-arranging

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Home Preparation for Outdoors

•         The entryway should be inviting. Makes buyers want to come inside.

•         The front door should be in good condition with shiny hardware.

•       Have flowers or plant by door and or wreath on the door.

•         Keep yard and shrubbery cut and well maintained.

•        Sweep driveway, walkway, decks, and porches.

•         Outdoor lighting should be used in case buyers ride by in the evening.

•         Pressure wash house or sidewalks if needed.

•         The garage should be uncluttered and organized.  Keep doors down.

•         A fresh coat of paint, wherever needed.

•         Move all toys, bicycles, etc. away from the house into one area.

•         Clean all the windows.  Make them sparkle.

•         Make street numbers standout.

•         Repair loose shingles.

•         Paint, repair and clean out gutters.

•         Remove trashcans from out from of the house and walkways.

•         Make sure the roof is in good condition.

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Home Preparation Basics for Inside

•         Get rid of clutter.  Less is more.

•         Reduce the number of small appliances and other personal items on countertops to two or three.

•         Remove all ashtrays.

•        Keep all soaps, scouring pads, cleaning supplies, etc. out of sight.

•         Organize closets, cabinets, and drawers.

•         Remove personal collections. 

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Make the house more spacious

•      Remove excess furniture.

•        Remove excess knick-knacks and books.

•      Remove all but one scatter rug per room. 

•      Bedrooms should have beds.

•        Keep closet doors closed.

•         In the children’s room, remove all posters but one favorite.

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Expand desirable features

•         Show off hardwood floors.

•        Show off windows with pretty views.  Expose natural light.

•         Show off the fireplace, gourmet kitchen, built-in shelves, etc.

•         Add some life.  Live plants and flowers look great, but not if unhealthy.

•         Dining tables should look ready for guests.

•         Paint walls if dingy or too much personal style (e.g. lime green, orange color).

•         Clean windows and appliances inside and out (window coverings as well).

•         Have carpets professionally cleaned.

•         Eliminate odors as much as possible with fresheners, potpourri, etc.

•         If couch or chairs are dingy, disguise them with pillows and/or throws.

•         Remove pet food and litter boxes to help eliminate odor.

•         Vacuum/mop each morning.  All surfaces should be clean and dust-free.

•         Make sure faucets are drip-free.

•         Make sure the temperature inside your home is comfortable during showings.

•         Play mood music.

•         Have mood lighting, make sure the house is well lit and all the bulbs are working.

•         Open drapes and blinds, and turn on all the lights.