SHOW READY

Before any showings:

• Initiate a family “game plan” for getting the house ready to show / Practice keeping the house neat all the time … this minimizes time and effort required to get ‘show ready’.
• Make sure all light bulbs throughout the house are working; replace if needed
• Wash all windows inside and out
• Remove all smoke and pet odors
• Hide small appliances from the counter
• Keep closets clean and neat
• Check Laundry room
• Dust and vacuum regularly / air out the home regularly
• Fix and paint the garage door if necessary
• Replace doormats, if needed
• Be sure the front doorbell is in good working order.
• Be sure the front door and screen door works perfectly.

Preparing for a showing:

• Open the draperies, pull up the shades, and let in the sunlight
• Turn on all lights, day or night, and install higher wattage light bulbs to show your home brightly.
• Remove any loose clutter from each room.
• Lightly spray the house with air freshener so that it has a chance to diffuse before the buyer arrives
• Remove and/or hide excess extension cords and exposed wires.
• Open doors to areas you want potential buyers to see such as walk-in closets, pantries, attics, etc.

In the Kitchen:

• Highlight an eat-in area in your kitchen with a table set for dinner.
• The kitchen and bathrooms should always be spotlessly clean.
• Optional: microwave a small dish of vanilla a few minutes before a showing and place in a discreet place.

In the Bedrooms:

• Depersonalize bedrooms and decorate in a neutral scheme.
• Make sure that the beds are made and the linens are clean.
• Organize your closets, remove unnecessary items and put them in storage.

In the Bathrooms:

• Do not leave towels around and wipe down the sinks and shower areas after each use.
• Replace shower curtains and keep them clean.
• Put out fresh towels and decorative soaps.

Outside:

• Keep the yard mowed and raked at all times.
• Use flowering plants to dress up the yard, walkway, and patio.
• Remove all toys, bicycles, tools, unsightly patio furniture, and trash from the yard.
• Porches, steps, verandas, balconies, patios, and other extensions of the house should be kept uncluttered, swept, and in good condition.
• Make sure the garage door opens easily.
• Clean and shine all hardware and accessories indoors and out (door knobs, knockers, lamps, mail box, address numbers, etc.)
• Trees and shrubs should be trimmed and pruned.