Exterior & Curb Appeal

Buyers decide if they like your home within seconds of pulling up. The exterior sets the tone for every showing.

• Keep the lawn edged, cut, and watered regularly
• Trim hedges and prune trees regularly
• Inspect doors and windows for peeling paint
• Repair or replace loose gutters
• Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles
• Add a few annuals in pots near your front entrance
• Keep your garage door closed during showings
• Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door
• Trim or cut overhanging branches that may damage the roof
• Remove dead bushes and trees
• Check that house numbers, mailbox, doorbell, and exterior lighting are all in good condition
• Repair torn or missing screens
• Replace cracked or broken windows and clean all windows
• Replace the doormat
• Pick up toys, tools, and trash — yard should be uncluttered
• Clean cobwebs and nests out of eaves
• Mulch and weed flower beds
• Arrange outdoor furniture neatly — clean, sturdy, repainted if needed

Interior — Every Room

A deep, thorough cleaning does more than you’d think. Clutter makes spaces feel smaller; cleanliness makes them feel larger.

• Give every room a thorough cleaning
• Remove all clutter so your house appears bigger and brighter
• Wash windows and open draperies to maximize light
• Consider a professional cleaning service every few weeks during the listing period
• Get rid of or store less frequently used items (a pre-listing garage sale works great)
• Repaint strongly colored walls with a neutral — off-white or beige
• Repair cracks in walls and ceilings
• Remove or replace torn or fading wallpaper with neutral paint
• Replace broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings, and woodwork
• Repair or replace worn or stained carpeting (or offer buyers an allowance)
• Remove pet odors and stains
• Replace burned-out light bulbs
• Clean all light fixtures, switch plates, mirrors, and glass

Bedrooms

• Make the beds before every showing
• Make sure dressers are clean and neatly arranged
• Clean the window sills
• Store personal and valuable items out of sight
• Dust blinds or curtains

Bathrooms

• Keep vanity tops uncluttered
• Clean the bathtub, soap holders, and all tile walls
• Clean and scrub the grout
• Make sure the shower curtain or doors are clean
• Polish the faucets and handles
• Make sure the toilet seat is in good repair
• Wash carpets or rugs
• Buy new towels and bring them out only when prospective buyers are on the way
• Repair dripping faucets and showerheads
• Dust blinds or curtains

Kitchen

The kitchen sells the house. Small investments here pay back dramatically.

• Spruce up with new cabinet knobs, new curtains, or a coat of neutral paint
• Remove dirty dishes before showings
• Remove gadgets from the counters so the space looks larger
• Clean the refrigerator and stove thoroughly
• Make sure all appliances are in good repair
• Replace drip pans on the stove
• Clean and shine the faucets
• Clean and organize all cupboards — buyers will open them

Garage & Carport

• Make sure doors are in working order
• Organize boxes, tools, and equipment so the space isn’t cluttered
• Remove all cobwebs from the rafter area
• Remove oil stains from the floor if possible