SHOWING YOUR
HOME
With buyers,
first impressions count. A small investment in time and money
will give your home an edge over other listings in the area
when the time comes to show it to a prospective buyer.
SHOW
YOUR HOME THE RIGHT WAY
When your house is being
shown: Keep room draperies and shades open to let in light,
and make rooms appear larger. Tag items not included in sale
(i.e., water conditioner). Have your home well-lighted
during showing. At night, turn on porch light and outdoor
lighting if you have it. Neatness makes a room look bigger.
Avoid clutter. Avoid having dirty dishes in the sink or on
counters. Keep any toys in the children's rooms. Bikes,
wagons, and skateboards should not be out front, but made as
inconspicuous as possible. Keep stereo or TV turned way
down. Take your family away if your broker is holding an
open house. Keep pets outdoors when your house is being shown.
Answer questions candidly when asked, but avoid questioning
potential buyers. Be friendly and encourage people, to make
themselves "at home." Remove and replace items not included
in the sale of your house (i.e., Chandelier).
Fence
Replace missing slats, stakes
and posts. Repair broken hinges and paint or stain the fence
if necessary.
Yard
Mow, trim and fertilize the
lawn. Weed flower beds and replace dead plants and trees.
Driveway, Garage, Carport
Clean up grease or oil spots
on concrete surfaces. Make sure the garage door opens freely
and the automatic door opener is working. Provide an
unobstructed view of your home from the street by not
parking cars, boats or other vehicles in the driveway.
Front
Entry
Polish door handles and door
knockers. Replace worn or broken items, such as an unsightly
mailbox or rusty doorbell. Be sure porch lights are working
and add welcoming features such as a new door mat and
flowering plants.
Siding
and Trim
Consider painting the
highlight features of your home, such as trim work,
shutters, gutters, down spouts and railings. If necessary,
add a fresh coat of exterior paint to the exterior siding.
Roof
Remove debris such as tree
branches and leaves. Straighten the TV antenna. Make any
necessary repairs to worn shingles or cracked surfaces.
Patio,
Deck
Flowering plants and outdoor
furniture add appeal. Remove any unnecessary items such as
gardening equipment. Tidy any visible items, such as an
outdoor grill or barbecue.
Interior
touch-ups:
Experience shows that creating
a house warming feeling inside your home increases its
desirability. View your home with a critical eye. Clean,
complete minor repairs, and add finishing touches.
Doors
and Windows
Consider adding a fresh coat
of paint to your front door. Polish brass fixtures and be
sure door locks work properly. Oil hinges to both doors and
windows. Keep stairways tidy and secure handrail. Repair or
replace bent or damaged screens and window glass. Cut back
outdoor plants that restrict natural light. Keep windows
clean and tidy with draperies firmly affixed and in proper
working order.
Floors
and Carpets
Repair or
replace missing or damaged tile, hardwood, vinyl and
baseboards. Steam-clean or shampoo carpets. Secure loose
carpeting and replace damaged areas. Be conscious of odors
caused by dampness, high-traffic areas or pets.
Closets and Storage Areas
Ample storage space increases
the desirability of the home. Keep closets tidy. Discard any
unnecessary items and consider storing those you do not use
frequently.
Bedrooms and Living Areas
Keep living
areas clean and inviting. Arrange furniture to allow a
spacious atmosphere. Make beds, arrange couch cushions, dust
shelves, vacuum carpets and touch-up walls with paint or
spackling as necessary. Wallpaper should be clean and adhere
smoothly to the walls. Finishing touches such as flowers or
candles add to the home's house warming appeal.
Kitchens and Bathrooms
Clear
counters, drawers and cabinets of unnecessary items. Clean
soap dishes, mirrors, faucets and appliances (inside and
out). Store cleaning supplies and hang freshly washed
towels. Be conscious of odors caused by dampness, hampers,
garbage and various foods.
Counters and Cabinets
Store
infrequently used counter-top items to allow a spacious look
in the kitchen and bathroom. Keep drawers and cabinets tidy
and organized.
Garage
or Workshop
Items should
be neatly stored in shelving or wall units. Allow
appropriate space for the home buyer to visualize their
vehicle or workbench. Consider moving excess or over-sized
items to mini-storage.
General Maintenance
Oil squeaky doors
Tighten doorknobs
Replace burned-out lights
Clean and repair windows
Touch up chipped paint
Repair cracked plaster
Repair leaking taps and toilets Spic and Span
Shampoo carpets
Clean washer, dryer, and tubs
Clean furnace
Clean fridge and stove
Clean and freshen bathrooms
The Buying Atmosphere
Turn on all lights
Light fireplace
Open drapes in the day time
Play quiet background music
Keep pets outdoors
Curb
Appeal
Cut
lawns
Trim shrubs
Weed and edge gardens
Pick up any litter
Clear walk and driveway of leaves
Repair gutters and eaves
Touch up exterior paint
The
Spacious Look
Clear stairs and halls
Store excess furniture
Clear counters and stove
Make closets neat and tidy
The
First Impression
Clean
and tidy entrance
Ensure doorbell functions
Polish door hardware
