Preparing Your Home For Showings


You never get a second chance to make a good first impression. Make sure that buyers see the very best your home has to offer. I will provide you with advice for how to stage or enhance your particular property, however these are some good general guidelines.

CURB APPEAL:

  • Lawn & Garden: mow, trim, weed, clean away any dead foliage.
  • Extra vehicles: remove from curb view.
  • Clean windows and sills.
  • Keep walks and driveways clear of snow and debris.
  • Repair doors and windows, screens and hardware.
  • Clean decks and repair or paint siding and fencing as needed.
  • Place a new doormat at the entrance door.
  • Add potted flowers, seasonally appropriate.
  • Add new house number or door fixture if yours is tarnished. Give a fresh coat of paint to the front door.

 BATHROOMS & KITCHEN:

  • Tidy counters, clean extra appliances, accessories, etc.
  • Clean cupboards, medicine cabinets. Pack extras away.
  • Clean cupboards inside and out.
  • Check light switches and fixtures.
  • Clean away any mildew in shower or around tub and

Fix grout and caulking as needed.

  • Repair faucets, toilets or any leaking or dripping taps.
  • Freshly paint if needed
  • Use fresh towels and replace the shower curtain with
  • a new white or neutral colour.
  • Display attractive scented soaps
  • All garbages should be empty

LIVING/DINING ROOMS, BEDROOMS & HALLWAYS:

  • Repair ceiling and wall cracks, repaint.
  • Keep hallways and foyers clear of obstacles.
  • Put all unnecessary or out-of-season coats, boots etc. away.
  • Re-arrange furniture for openness. I will help you with this.
  • Straighten book shelves, store some away to make space.
  • Clear and polish coffee tables and all surfaces.
  • Tidy play areas, arrange children’s bedrooms to look fun and inviting.
  • If you have a fireplace, arrange for it to be cleaned and lit during cooler weather.
  • Arrange fresh flowers around the house.
  • Put linens on table, perhaps place a setting on dining room table.
  • Have artwork on the walls, it can have a huge effect on the look of a room.

GARAGE:

  • Tidy and organize. Make sure door opener works.
  • Sweep floors, clean any grease spots, store garden tools.
  • Hang hooks for brooms, racks, bikes, and additional tools

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

  • Many purchases are made on an emotional basis. Keep your home warm and cozy, if in winter, or cool and fresh, if in summer, so it feels inviting!
  • Open drapes and blinds – keep rooms and hallways bright and cheerful.
  • Leave your lights on for showings
  • Clean your closets – show off how spacious they really are.
  • Be scrupulous about wastebaskets, garbage bins and litter boxes.
  • Cigarette smoke is offensive to many. Keep ashtrays washed, and only smoke outdoors.
  • Use exterior lights at night. Your home will look more inviting.

 

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