First Impressions really count with homebuyers. A small investment in time and effort can provide a BIG advantage!

Here are some suggestions for preparing your home for showings:

First Impressions/General
House exterior in good repair
House number is easy to read
Eaves troughs, downspouts and soffits painted and in good repair
Garage/Carport clean and tidy
Cracked or broken windowpanes replaced
Lawn cut and raked; hedges and shrubs trimmed; gardens weeded and edged
Leaves raked; walks swept; decks and patios cleared of leaves and debris
Snow and ice cleared; walkways sanded or salted

At the Front Door
Doorbell works
Door hardware in good repair
Porch and foyer clean and tidy

Interior Maintenance
Cracked plaster repaired
Chipped paint touched up
Doorknobs and cupboard latches tight
Furnace wiped down and cleaned
Burned out light bulbs replaced
Squeaky doors oiled

Bathrooms
Mirrors, fixtures, taps and sinks cleaned and polished
Leaky taps and toilets repaired
Seals around the tubs and basins in good repair
Floors cleaned, waste containers emptied
Inside of cupboards and cabinets clean and neat
Towels clean and matching
Clutter put away

Kitchen
Appliances cleaned
Counter tops clear and clean
Inside cupboards and cabinets clean and neat
Small appliances put away
Clutter put away

Creating A Buying Atmosphere
All lights turned on
Air conditioner turned on in warm weather
Fireplace lit in cooler weather
Closets neat and tidy
Hall and stairs cleared of clutter
Drapes open during daylight
Fresh flowers
Creating a pleasant aromatic environment
Background music played quietly
Carpets freshly vacuumed

Note: Valuables should be locked safely away or taken with you; objects of art or figurines should be situated safely out of reach or locked away.