Our goal is to help you simplify, depersonalize, and declutter the house in order for it to show larger, brighter, and give it a more spacious feel for potential buyers. Prospective buyers want to envision themselves living in your home. Removing your personal effects will help them mentally move in. Many items will need to be moved to storage or packed for moving. Think of it as a jump start on your moving process. Creating a clean, clutter free environment is the first step to a successful sale.
The list below will help your house show to its best potential.
- Start by airing out the house. Most people are turned off by even the smallest smells. Odors must be eliminated, especially if you have pets, children in diapers, or are a smoker.
- If it has been over a year since the carpets have been cleaned – or if they really need it – now is the time to do it. If you are replacing carpet we can help with choosing something that will appeal to the most buyers. Hard flooring should be polished or buffed and swept regularly for showings.
- Depersonalize the house by storing personal photos and small personal items so that potential buyers can picture their own things in the house.
- Clean and wipe down all woodwork including cabinets, base boards, window sills, mantels and built ins. Old English or Liquid Gold work well for stained wood.
- Replace or clean AC filters. Clean all AC vents and intake grids.
- Thin out all closets dramatically and organize remaining items. Try to leave space between hanging items and on shelves to show potential storage space. At one very visible spot, leave space so the rear of the closet/panty will show when the door is opened.
- Keep AC set no warmer than 75 degrees and heat no cooler than 68 degrees.
- Use air fresheners in key rooms. Plug Ins or essential oil diffusers work well but be careful about scents that are too strong.
- Make all beds every day.
- Open shades, blinds, and curtains to allow maximum light and leave on lights and lamps for all showings if possible.
- Repair or note anything broken or not working.
Interior
- Remove all visible clutter daily.
- Dust blinds, sills, plant ledges, etc. Remove cobwebs. Look down from second floor landings or catwalks to see areas that often get overlooked in daily cleaning.
- Replace any burnt out light bulbs
- Upgrade the wattage in all fixtures to the highest wattage allowed in the fixture. We recommend daylight bulbs for the maximum brightness.
- Dust all light fixtures and fans
- Empty wastebaskets and trash cans regularly
- Hide pet dishes, toys, beds
- Vacuum carpets regularly
- Wash windows and glass doors
- Turn off televisions or tune to soft music station
Kitchen
- Deep clean the kitchen: stove, oven, dishwasher, backsplash, flooring, grout etc. Replace stove drip pans and the dishwasher seal if necessary.
- Re-caulk backsplash and grout if necessary.
- Remove art, notes, magnets (except your team schedule from us of course!) from the refrigerator
- Keep all counters as clear as possible to show there is plenty of work space.
- Stow small appliances and draining racks
- Replace visible dish towels with fresh new towels
- Clear sink of dishes, sponges, soap, and wash cloths daily
- Stow trash can in pantry or cabinet if possible
Bathrooms
- Bathtubs, showers and sinks should be freshly caulked. The grout and tile should be in good condition. There should be no leaks in the faucets or traps.
- Hang fresh towels, replace rugs and mats or stow them away
- Stow shampoo, razors, soap, etc under the sink
- Clear counters of toiletries, hair dryers, flat irons, etc
- Clean mirrors
- Close toilet lid
- Linen cabinets should be organized and neat
Exterior and Garage
- Keep yard mowed, edged and trim shrubs/bushes
- Replace any dead plants and refresh mulch. It is also a good idea to invest in a few flats of colorful flowers to enhance curb appeal and first impressions.
- Restain/paint front door and replace hardware. Remember this is the first thing buyers will see and will set the tone for the rest of the house.
- Clean entry including the walls removing cobwebs, mud dobber nest and yard debris.
- Remove cars from driveway for photography and showings.
- Hide trash cans and put away toys, bicycles, etc.
- Power wash siding and flatwork: driveway, sidewalk, patio to remove mildew and mold
- Sweep walkways
We hope these tips and suggestions help you start to prepare to get your house on the market. For a more individualized plan, please reach and our team will be happy to set up a 20-30 minute walk through to get you started. We include detailed staging advice for all our listings.