Enhancing your home for Maximum Impact at Open Houses


birdhouse in snow
My first Listing, Sold Over Asking
Showing your house for sale the right way, like everything, requires a plan for success. For maximum impact with buyer's showings and open houses look at your home through a buyer's filter.  I have developed this "pretty much covers everything list" for my sellers based on hundreds of buyer showings and open houses. Enjoy.

Kitchen
  • Clear off countertops, leaving only necessary appliances
  • Clean and polish worn cabinets
  • Arrange cupboards and pantry so items are neat and orderly
  • Open blinds and turn on lights so kitchen is bright and cheery
  • Leave a delicious smell in the kitchen
Garage, Basement, Attic
  • Clean out the clutter
  • Keep stairways and entryways well lit
  • Keep basement bright with new paint or lighting
  • Ventilate to remove "stale" odors
  • Repair cracked floors and walls
  • Stack stored items against the walls
Bathrooms
  • Repair any dripping faucets
  • Keep fresh towels in the bathroom
  • Remove stains from toilets, bathtubs and sinks
  • Keep sinks and mirrors shining
  • Unclog sinks and bathtubs
  • Use a deodorizer or scented candle
  • Replace old caulking around the bathtubs
Living Areas
  • Check ceilings for leak stains
  • Use gray and neutrals if painting and redecorating
  • Clean fireplace
  • Wash windows and replace any cracked or broken glass
  • Check windows to ensure all open and close
  • Keep draperies open, window shades up
  • Replace burned out light bulbs
  • Check light switches, clean switch covers with germicide before and after showing
  • Remove clutter
  • Straighten up closets
  • Keep pets away during showings
  • Lubricate any sticking or squeaking doors
  • Turn off all televisions
Outdoors
  • Poor roofs have prevented the sale of many homes, have a professional validate the look and life of your roof
  • Repair broken or peeling fencing; Oil squeaky gates and doors.
  • Cut back over-grown shrubbery and keep lawn mowed.
  • Repair any chipped or worn paint
  • Front door and locks should be easy to open
  • In winter, walkways should be free of snow and ice.
  • Pick up lawn tools, toys and newspapers; sweep front walkway
  • Clean up after pets

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