THE BUYING ATMOSPHERE

Run through this checklist both before the listing photos are taken, and before showings and Open Houses:

Curb Appeal

Sweep up any trash on the road, sidewalk, and porch

Do not leave trash cans out

Make sure there is nothing in front of the garage, and don’t park your car in the driveway

Keep your lawn mowed, trimmed, and edged

Weed your flower beds, and trim your bushes and hedges

If necessary, paint your mailbox, fence, door, or any other outside features that are fading/peeling

Wash off the outside of your house with a hose and brush

• Wash the windows and glass doors

• Ensure patio lights are working and on

• Ensure the gutters and downspouts are straight and clear of leaves

Home Interior

• Clean and touch up paint on all trim, especially around doors, and near heavily traveled areas

• Clean walls and baseboards to get rid of smudges and fingerprints

• Deep clean all flooring, carpet, and rugs

• Dust cobwebs from ceiling, corners, trim, light fixtures, and around furniture

• Clean light fixtures and replace any burnt out bulbs

• Ensure drapery and blinds are clean and free from dust

• Clean light switch and electrical outlet plates

• Get rid of unnecessary items and boxes that are cluttering rooms. This includes extra furniture which may obscure the buyer’s views, as well as pathways throughout the home

• Make sure all stairs are clear. Not only does this detract from your home’s appearance, but it’s a safety hazard as well

• Repair any leaking faucets, running toilets, loose doorknobs, and sticking doors and windows

• If home is being shown during the Fall or Winter, light the fireplace to create warmth

• In the Spring or Summer, vases of freshly cut flowers add a freshness that is hard to match

• Get rid of any strong odors (tobacco, leftover food, pet odors, etc.)

• Turn on lights, and open blinds and drapes

• Put away family-related items such as photo albums, and keep knickknacks to a minimum. You don’t want to draw potential buyers’ attention away from the home and instead to your decor

• Clean the fireplace, make sure the screen is in good condition and that all fireplace tools are clean and polished

Wax hardwood furniture with lemon oil

Put attractive bedding on beds (e.g., bedspreads, shams, decorative pillows, etc.)

Clean and organize closets; keep your laundry out of sight- remember people will be looking in your closets

Make sure that all appliances are clean and working

Clean off all counter tops - put small appliances, etc. away

Clean the ceiling, degreasing it if necessary

Refrigerators seem to attract a lot of clutter. Pack away any magnets, cards, and drawings

Clean and organize basements, garages, attics, and utility rooms. Pack away unneeded items

• In the garage, clean up oil stains on the floor

• Remove any mouse and roach traps as they indicate that you have pest problems

• If you have pets, get them out of the house while it is being shown

• Try to eliminate traces of pets inside and outside your home, especially pet odors