To get the best possible
price for your house, make sure it looks its best, inside and out. The following
checklist offers several things you can do to improve a buyer's first
impression.
Before You Begin Showing
Exterior
Repaint siding
Repaint or touch
up trim
Repair/repaint
gutters and downspouts
Repair/repaint
fences
Seal driveway
Remove oil
stains from garage floor
Wash all windows
Remove all
screens (windows look cleaner)
Trim trees,
hedges, shrubs
Weed and feed
lawn
Remove all
clutter (garden tools, toys, etc.)
Entranceway
Check working
order of doorbell and exterior light
Replace welcome
mat
Repair/repaint
storm door and/or front door
Clear interior
entry of all clutter
Clear and clean
out front hall closet
Living/Dining/Family/Bedrooms
Repaint or touch
up walls and ceilings
Repair/replace
old molding
Shampoo carpet
and/or wash and wax floors
Remove excess or
unattractive furniture
Clean curtains,
shutters, blinds, etc.
Clean fireplace,
mantle, shelving
Replace old
bedspreads
Kitchen/Baths
Repair or
replace faucets and fixtures
Repaint or
repaper walls
Thoroughly clean
range/oven, refrigerator and other appliances
Clear out and
clean cabinets, drawers, and medicine chests
Remove clutter
from countertops
Clean or replace
curtains
Grout tubs and
showers
Replace old
toilet seats and shower curtains
General
Replace
burned-out light bulbs
Clear cobwebs
from corners and doorways
Wash light
switches, hand rails, and doorknobs
Clear and clean
all closets
Add "welcoming"
touches: potted plants, dried flowers, etc.
Before
Every Showing or Open House
Exterior
Pick up tools
and toys
Put garbage cans
in garage
Close garage
door
Park cars on
street or around corner
Clean the
exterior of your house- rent a gas-powered pressure washer
Interior
Clear off all
counters and table tops
Turn on all
lights
Open shades and
curtains
Put soft music
on stereo
Give the house a
pleasant aroma -- fresh bread, fire in fireplace, etc.
Set dining room
table
Make all beds
Set thermostat
at comfortable temperature
Ask your agent
to take a walk through of your house and offer suggestions on how to make it
show better. There's simply no better source of ideas for making a house more
marketable.
House
& Community Information (display in entranceway or another prominent place)
Paid utility bills
Current
property tax receipts
Real
estate listing sheet
Floorplan
(if available)
List
of upgrades you've put into the house
Map
and/or list of community features and points of interest
Warranty information on appliances
Copyright © 1999 Cendant
