For Better Showing Your Home
Let it Shine
Remove Clutter
Cleaning windows and screens will help bring more light into your home. Replace burnt bulbs, and consider higher wattage in low-light areas. Clean the walls or brush on a fresh coat of bright, neutral paint. Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones and sow off your view.
Clear off counters and pack unnecessary decorative items. Put extra furniture in storage, and remove out-of-season items. Don’t forget to clean out the garage, too.
Maximize Comfort
Keep it Clean
In summer, shut A/C vents on the first floor so more air will get upstairs. Reverse the process in winter.
A deep clean before listing your home will make upkeep easier. Consider hiring a cleaning service to help.
Sniff Test
Perform a sniff test. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate odors. Open the windows to air out the house. Consider potpourri or scented candles and diffusers.
Repairs
Take care of minor repairs. Sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression the house isn’t well-maintained.
Set the Scene
Outdoors
A bright afghan or new accent pillows easily jazz up a dull room. Pretty dishes or simple centerpiece on the tables can help buyers picture themselves living there. Try staging a chess game in progress. If you have a fireplace, lay fresh logs or a basket of flowers there.
Tidy up outdoors. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, add new mulch, trim the bushes, edge the walkways, and clean the gutters. A pot of bright flowers near the entryway adds great curb appeal.
Pets
Luxurious Bath
Send the pets to the neighbors. If that’s not possible, create or confine them to one room, and let your realtor know where they’ll be to eliminate surprises.
Make the bath luxurious. Make sure your personal toiletry items are out of sight, along with old towels and toothbrushes. Add a new shower curtain and fancy guest soaps.
Head Out
Lock Up
It can be awkward for everyone if you’re home at the time of a showing.
Lock up valuables and medication. Agents cannot watch everyone all the time.
Source: National Association of REALTORS, REALTOR Magazine.
