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Before Your House Is Shown

• Tag or remove items not included in sale (i.e. water conditioner, chandeliers, plants, drapes).
• Open shades and curtains to let in light.
• Turn on enough lights so home is well-lit during showing.
• At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting.
• Tidy all the rooms. Neatness makes a room easier to view.
• Clean dirty dishes in the sink and put away any dishes on counter.
• Keep toys in the children’s rooms.
• Put away items in the yard such as bicycles, gardening tools and skateboards.
• If fall or winter, light a fire in the fireplace.

While Your House Is Being Shown

• When possible, leave while the property is shown. If not, remain in an area not being shown by the sales associate.
• Let the real estate expert show your house. Answer questions candidly when asked, but avoid questioning potential buyers.
• Refer inquiries about seeing your house to your Realtor to take advantage of the agent’s professional skills in selling your home.
• Don’t mention items you wish to dispose of unless asked.
• It is best to be away when your agent is holding an open house.
• Keep pets outdoors or in one area.
• Keep children quiet and in one area.
• Keep radio, stereo or TV on low volume.
• Keep money and other valuable items out of sight.

Preparing your home through the eyes of a buyer

The effort put into repairing and cleaning your property is likely to be returned in a fast sale at an attractive price.

• As buyers approach your property the first time, impressions are formed quickly.
• Paint house – this can do more for sales appeal than any other factor.
• Yard – Remove all toys, garbage, garden tools and other items from view.
• Mow lawn and keep edged.
• Close garage doors.
• Put colorful flowers in front of house.

Often, while waiting to be let in, the first thing a buyer looks at closely is the front door.

• Put new paint on the front door.
• Buy a new door mat.
• Buyers take a close look at the basement of a home. They will look for bad wiring, leaky pipes and signs of decay.
• Clean out basement and dispose of everything you are not going to move.
• Ensure that there is plenty of lighting.
• Sweep or vacuum floor.
• Stack items neatly against walls.

The kitchen is often the most important room in the house. Make it bright and attractive.

• Put a vase of fresh flowers on the table.
• Replace curtains or clean existing ones.
• Remove appliances from counters.
• Create a pleasant fragrance in the kitchen (i.e. vanilla, cinnamon).

It is important that bathrooms are clean, bright and smell fresh.

• Install a new shower curtain and replace worn throw rugs.
• Polish all fixtures.
• Open windows.
• Hang bright, fresh towels.
• Remove stains from toilets and bathtubs.
• Use air freshener.
• Display colorful soaps.

The living room

• Clean out the fireplace and place logs in it.
• Polish all woodwork.
• Put big furniture in storage so rooms are not cluttered or crowded.