Resources

The effort put into repairing and cleaning your property is likely to be returned in a fast sale at an attractive price.

• As buyers approach your property the first time, impressions are formed quickly.
• Paint house - this can do more for sales appeal than any other factor.
• Yard - Remove all toys, garbage, garden tools and other items from view.
• Mow lawn and keep edged.
• Close garage doors.
• Put colorful flowers in front of house.

Often, while waiting to be let in, the first thing a buyer looks at closely is the front door.

• Put new paint on the front door.
• Buy a new door mat.
• Buyers take a close look at the basement of a home. They will look for bad wiring, leaky pipes and signs of decay.
• Clean out basement and dispose of everything you are not going to move.
• Ensure that there is plenty of lighting.
• Sweep or vacuum floor.
• Stack items neatly against walls.

The kitchen is often the most important room in the house. Make it bright and attractive.

• Put a vase of fresh flowers on the table.
• Replace curtains or clean existing ones.
• Remove appliances from counters.
• Create a pleasant fragrance in the kitchen (i.e. vanilla, cinnamon).

It is important that bathrooms are clean, bright and smell fresh.

• Install a new shower curtain and replace worn throw rugs.
• Polish all fixtures.
• Open windows.
• Hang bright, fresh towels.
• Remove stains from toilets and bathtubs.
• Use air freshener.
• Display colorful soaps.

The living room

• Clean out the fireplace and place logs in it.
• Polish all woodwork.
• Put big furniture in storage so rooms are not cluttered or crowded.

Front Door: Newly painted Doorbell operating Door brass polished Hinges oiled Exterior of House: House recently painted Gutters recently cleaned Exterior lights operating Missing shingles replaced Moss removed from roof Windows: Window trims painted Windows operating freely Cracked windowpanes replaced Windows washed Driveway: Resurfaced Potholes patched Recently sealed Patios: Wood stained or painted Fencing secure Lawn: Lawn in good condition Grass mowed Edges trimmed Trees/Shrubs: Dead branches pruned Dead shrubs replaced Overgrown shrubs pruned Entry: Entry lights operating Floors cleaned Closet cleaned Closet light operating  Living Room: Recently painted Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired Leaks repaired & watermarks covered Wallpaper secured Woodwork repainted Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned Drapes/blinds opened Carpets cleaned Furniture positioned to show space Kitchen: Sink free of stains No dripping faucets Appliances in good working order Walls, cabinets free of stains Countertops cleared and cleaned Pantry neatly arranged Pantry hardware replaced Refrigerator defrosted

Family Room: Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired Leaks repaired & watermarks covered Wallpaper secured Woodwork repainted Windows washed Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned Windows operating freely Drapes/blinds opened Carpets cleaned Hobby supplies put away Bedrooms: Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired Leaks repaired & watermarks covered Wallpaper secured Woodwork repaired Windows washed Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned Floor waxed/refinished Carpets cleaned Beds made Laundry put away Floor free from clutter Basement: Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired No evidence of water penetration Dampness removed Cold water pipes covered Dehumidifier installed Sump pump installed No musty odors Drains cleared Furnace cleaned Storage neatly arranged Excess storage removed Floor swept Light fixtures operating Handrail secure Stairway runner secure Dining Room: Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired Leaks repaired & watermarks covered Wallpaper secured Woodwork repaired Windows washed Drapes/blinds open to view Floor waxed/refinished Carpets cleaned Bathrooms: Sink stains removed Leaky faucets repaired Grouting stains removed All joints caulked Missing tiles replaced All fixtures operating Floors cleaned New shower curtain All supplies stored Guest towels