Interior:

Kitchen:
Buyers often make a beeline for the kitchen - make sure it sparkles. Many buyers feel if the kitchen isn’t clean, it’s an indication that the rest of the home hasn’t been well looked after either!

• All appliances should be kept clean even if all aren’t included in the sale.
• All countertops and work surfaces should be spotless and free of clutter.
• Kitchen sink should be clear of dirty dishes.
• Cabinets should be clean inside and out and not overcrowded.
• Polish or clean hardware on cabinets
• Flooring: if old and worn-out, consider replacing
• Take out trash/recyclables

Bathrooms:
Buyers also love clean, sparkling bathrooms!

• Clean shower stall/tub thoroughly--recaulk if needed and replace shower curtain liner.
• Wash shower curtain.
• Display clean fresh towels.
• Empty wastebaskets.
• Wash area rugs.
• Polish mirror and all faucets and taps.
• Keep floors clean.
• Clean out the vanity--get rid of products you no longer need or use to give the illusion of more space.
• Keep countertops free of personal care items.
• Organize linen closets.

Carpets:

• Keep vacuumed.
• If stained or contain pet odor, have professionally cleaned.
• If very worn out/stained, have replaced.
• If hardwood flooring is underneath, consider pulling up the carpet to expose the hardwood.  Refinish if in bad condition. The trend is polished hardwood flooring.

Closets:
Buyers need to see that their things will fit into your closets.  A bulging closet gives an impression of inadequate storage space!

• Store or pack clothes for the next season. You won’t be wearing them now and you can get a head start on packing.
• Consider space saving shelves if not already installed--can actually double closet space.
• Pick up/organize shoes from the closet floor.
• Neatly fold/hang clothes.

• Repair or replace leaky or dripping faucets and toilets.
• If faucets are corroded, consider replacement.

• Replace burned-out bulbs in lamps and light fixtures.
• Repair or replace dirty or broken switchplates.

• Replace filters and vacuum ducts.
• Clean exterior of units.

Odors:
You can have a sparkling clean home inside and out; however, if buyers detect an unpleasant odor due to pets, cigarette smoke, or unusual cooking smells, it is a big deterrent and can prevent a sale!

• Keep litter boxes clean and out of sight.
• Burn candles or simmer potpourri.
• Clean carpets, draperies, and upholstered furniture.

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For Showings:

• Turn on all lights! Now is not the time to be energy efficient. Let the light in - open up curtains, blinds, shades unless view is objectionable
• Tidy up - pick up toys from floor, remove objects from all stairways and hallway floors, have beds made, towels off bathroom floor, dishes out of sink, etc.
• Play soft classical music.
• Light a fire in the fireplace during cold winter months.
• Turn off TV’s so as not to distract the buyers from your home.
• If possible, try to not be home.  Buyers feel more at ease when owners are not present.  The more time a buyer spends in a home for a showing, the better.
• If home, be unobtrusive.  Let the Realtor showing the property point out the features and amenities of your home.

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© 2005 Karen Colyer.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.