
Preparing Your House for Showing
With buyers, first impressions count. A small investment in time and money will give your house an edge over other listings in the area when the time comes to show it to a prospective buyer.
Here are some suggestions that will help you to get the top market value:
General Maintenance
- Oil squeaky doors
- Tighten Doorknobs
- Replace burned out lights
- Clean and repair windows
- Touch up chipped paint
- Repair cracked plaster/drywall
- Repair leaking faucets and toilets
Spic and Span
- Shampoo carpets
- Clean washer, dryer, and tubs
- Clean furnace
- Clean fridge and stove
- Clean and freshen bathrooms
The First Impression
- Clean and tidy entrance
- Functional doorbell
- Polish door hardware
- Paint front door
- Put out new “Welcome” mat
Curb Appeal
- Cut lawns
- Trim shrubs and lawns
- Weed and edge gardens
- Pick up any litter
- Clear walk and driveway of leaves
- Repair gutters and eaves
- Touch up exterior paint
The Buying Atmosphere
- Be absent during showings
- Turn on all lights
- Light fireplace
- Open drapes in the day time
- Play quiet background music
- Keep pets outdoors
- Make all beds
The Spacious Look
- Clear stairs and halls
- Remove excess furniture
- Clear counters and stove
- Make closets neat and tidy