Preparing Your House for Peak Showing Condition

First Impressions Are Lasting!

Put Your Property's Best Face Forward!

Is the outside of your house as attractive as the inside?

• Porches, steps, verandas, balconies, patios, and other extensions should be uncluttered, swept, and in good condition.
• Paint all entrance doors. It is at this point that potential buyers form an opinion of the house.
• Shades and awnings should be in good condition. Replace them if the color has faded. Remove windsocks, chimes, etc.
• Keep trash cans deodorized, covered, and out of sight.
• Gates, fences, sheds, and other outer buildings should be cleaned, repaired, and painted.
• Clean and shine all metal accessories (door knobs, door knockers, lamps, mailboxes, street numbers, etc.).
• Clean, repair, and paint all gutters and downspouts.
• All loose roof shingles, tiles, and the like should be secured or replaced. If the roof leaks, fix it! Remove all traces of prior water damage to the ceiling inside your home.
• Make sure that the garage door opens easily. Repair and paint it if needed.
• Paint the chimney vents. Inspect and repair any loose bricks or stones. Caulk where the chimney meets the roof.

Preparing Your House for Peak Showing Condition

Now. Evaluate the Inside of Your Property
Through the Critical Eyes of the Buyer!

• Wash all windows, inside and out, adding to the overall impression and to help your property show in a nice, bright light. Curtains should be clean and attractive.
• Remove all smoke, pet, and hobby odors from the property.
• Clean all light bulbs, light fixtures, and chandeliers so that the property is brighter.
• Shampoo all carpets and vacuum them daily. If the carpet does not clean up well, replace it. Use a neutral color, or remove the carpet if hardwood floors underneath are in good condition.
• Clean everything in your house from top to bottom, from the attic to the basement.
• Remove all "junk" from the attic, basement, closets, garage, tool shed, and especially from the storage area if your property has one. Large storage areas are appealing to buyers. Rent a storage area for those items that need to be cleared out of these areas.
• Remove posters and adhesive from walls and doors. Putty and paint any holes that result from nails or other mishaps.
• Clean or paint the basement walls and floor.
• Wax hardwood floors.
• Remove all cobwebs.
• Paint all inside walls with off-white paint. Use two or more coats to cover bold, bright, or dark walls. All walls should be painted-not just washed-brightening the property and making it look much larger.
• Ensure that the doorbell is in good working order.
• Make sure that all entrance doors-front door, storm door, screen door-are in excellent condition. If not, replace them. Again, this is the first impression the buyer has of the property. Lighting and cleanliness are especially important.
• Repair or replace all room doors, closet doors, and windows and screens so that they open with ease.
• Repair or replace banisters and handrails.
• Repair or replace broken tiles on walls or floors in showers.
• Repair or replace loose wallpaper.
• If the basement shows any sign of water or structural damage, it may be necessary to obtain a structural engineer's report.
• Replace toilet bowls if you cannot get them spotlessly clean. It is a minimal expense and makes a big difference.
• Replace shower curtains and keep them clean.
• Improve the plumbing to increase water pressure. Buyers will check this every time. Replace the washers in the faucets and remove rust stains.

Preparing Your House for Peak Showing Condition

Ensure That Your Property Shows at Its Very Best!

• Open the draperies, pull up the shades, and let in the sunlight. Rooms bathed in sunlight appear bigger and make a positive impact on buyers.
• Install higher wattage light bulbs to show your property brightly-in its best light. Turn on all lights.
• Remove all "clutter" from each room. Remove things such as coats, shoes, clothing, pet toys, pet-food bowls, trash cans, toys, child-safety barriers, playpens, and the like. Keep all nonessential items off the floor so that the room doesn't appear cluttered. Uncluttered rooms appear bigger.
• Make sure that beds are made with bedspreads smoothed out. Also, linens and curtains should be fresh and clean. Keep laundry out of sight.
• Organize closets. Remove unnecessary items and put them in storage. Large closets sell houses and a well-organized closet looks much bigger than one crammed with clutter.
• Dust and vacuum floors often. Don't leave soiled towels lying around. Wipe showers after each use. Re-caulk the shower or bathtub if the current caulk is not spotless.
• Create a positive mood. Turn on all lights-day or night. Open the curtains during the day. If it is cold outside, keep a comfortable level of heat. If it's summertime, keep your property cool.
• Open doors to areas you want the buyer to see, such as walk-in closets, pantries, etc. Make sure that those areas are neat and clean. Place a subtle air freshener inside closets. Close all other closet doors and cabinets.
• Water and prune indoor plants. Less hearty ones should be kept out of sight.
• Remove excess extension cords, especially those in walkways.
• Keep pets out of the way-preferably out of the house. Ask a friend to watch your pet while the property is on the market. Some people do not like animals or their odors, and buyers may raise undue concerns about the condition of carpeting.
• Keep in mind, we have worked closely with countless buyers and know how to present your property in the best light, skilfully answering questions. Please arrange to be absent during the showing of your property. Buyers are more comfortable and candid if the owners are not present.
• If you must be present, be courteous and do not engage in conversation with the buyer. Never apologize for the condition of your property. Let the trained salesperson answer any objections about the condition of your property.
• Avoid having guests over during a showing. The buyer will feel like an intruder in your house and will hurry through the tour.
• Finally, play soft music during the showing of the property. Turn off television sets.

Preparing Your House on a Moment's Notice

Start where the potential buyers will start:

Head inside:

If you still have time: