The goal is to present a clean, spacious, clutter-free home The kind you’d like to buy! Do a little each day and it will pay dividends Curb Appeal o Mow lawn o Trim shrubs o Edge gardens and walkways o Weed and mulch o Sweep walkways and driveways, remove branches, litter and toys o Add color and fill bare spots with plantings o Remove mildew or moss from walls or walks with bleach and water o Take stains off your driveway with cleaner or kitty litter o Stack woodpile neatly o Clean and repair patio and deck areas o Remove any outdoor furniture which is not in good shape o Make sure pool or spa sparkles o Replace old storm doors o Check for flat-fitting roof shingles o Repair broken windows/shutters, replace torn screens, make sure frames and seams have solid caulking o Hose off exterior wood and trim, replace damaged bricks or wood o Touch up exterior paint, repair gutters and eaves o Clean and remove rust from any window A/C units or store them away o Paint the front door and mailbox o Add a new front door mat and consider seasonal door decoration o Shine brass hardware on front door, exterior lighting fixtures, etc. o Make sure doorbell is in good working order General Interior Tips o Add a fresh coat of interior paint in light neutral colors o Shampoo carpeting, replace if necessary o Clean and wax hardwood floors, refinish if necessary o Clean and wash kitchen and bathroom floors o Wash all windows, vacuum blinds, wash window sills o Clean the fireplace o Clean out and organize closets, add extra space by packing clothes and items you won’t need again until after you’ve moved o Remove extra furniture, worn rugs and items you don’t use: keep papers, toys, etc. picked up, especially on stairs o Repair easy fixes: loose doorknobs, cracked molding, leaky taps and toilets, squeaky doors, closet or screen doors off their tracks, etc. o Add dished potpourri or drop of vanilla or bath oil on light bulbs for scent o Secure jewelry, cash or other valuables Living Room o Make it cozy and inviting, discard chipped or worn furniture and frayed or worn rugs o Consider packing away personal photos o Remove as much clutter as possible Dining Room o Polish any visible silver or crystal o Set the table for a formal dinner to help viewers imagine entertaining here Kitchen o Make sure appliances are spotless inside and out (try baking soda for cleaning formica stains). o Make sure all appliances are in perfect working order o Clean often forgotten spots on top of fridge and under sink o Wax or sponge floors to brilliant shine, clean baseboards o Organize item inside cabinets, pre-pack anything you won’t be using before your move o Keep counters as clear and empty as possible Bathrooms o Remove all rust and mildew o Make sure tile, fixtures, shower doors, are immaculate and shining o Make sure all fixtures are in good shape o Replace loose caulking or grout o Make sure lighting is bright, but soft Master Bedroom o Organize furniture to create a spacious look with well-defined sitting, sleeping and dressing areas o Organize and minimize walk-in closet Basement o Sell, give away or throw out unnecessary items o Organize and create more space by hanging tools and placing items on shelves o Clean water heater and drain sediment o Change furnace filter o Make inspection access easy o Clean and paint concrete floors and walls o Provide strong overhead lighting Attic o Tidy up by discarding or pre-packing o Make sure exposed insulation is visible and in good condition o Make sure air vent is in good working order o Provide strong overhead lighting When It’s Time To Show o Make sure all marketing materials are readily available o Open all draperies and shades, turn on all lights o Pick up toys and other clutter, check to make sure beds are made and clothes are put away o Give the carpets a quick vacuuming o Add some strategically placed fresh flowers o Open bathroom window for fresh air o Pop a spicy desert or just a pan of cinnamon in the oven for aroma o Turn off the TV and put on some light non-offensive music at low volume o Make a fire in the fireplace (seasonal) o Put pets in the backyard or arrange for a friend to keep them o Make sure pet areas are clean and 100% odor-free o Make sure all trash is disposed
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