1. General Maintenance
The home’s curb appeal will create an instant and irreversible first impression with every buyer. Use this checklist to make sure your listing is dressed for success.
- Paint the trim and front door.
- Plant flowers and pull weeds.
- Clean the downspouts and gutters.
- Clean the screens and windows.
- Power wash the sidewalks and driveway.
- Mow the grass and apply new bark mulch.
- Replace outside light bulbs.
- Wash the house exterior or paint, if needed.
2. Create a Warm Environment
Every home should offer the potential buyer a warm, friendly, welcoming experience especially during the first showing. What greets the buyer on the other side of the sellers front door? Things to consider are as follows:
- Consider the smell of the home (Candles, baking, diffuser).
- Replace light bulbs and clean drapes, blinds and windows.
- Have the carpets professionally cleaned or replaced.
- Paint or wash the walls.
- Clean the doors, cabinets and closets.
- Dust the home and remove cobwebs.
- Clean the appliances.
- Paint or clean the baseboards.
- Re-caulk the bathtubs and showers.
- Replace the cracked or damaged outlets covers.
3. Remove Barriers From The Relationship
Buyers need to build an emotional bond with a home before they can make a decision to purchase the home. Help them by removing potential barriers.
- Pack and store seasonal clothing.
- Remove unused furniture.
- Remove personal photo clutter and pack.
- Secure pets before each showing.
- Remove and replace fixtures not included with the sale.
- Encourage sellers to leave the home during showings.
4. Tell a Story and Be Interesting
Buyers want a home that stands out from the competition. Does each room in your home tell a story? What can you visualize happening in each room as you walk through the home? This is often referred to as staging the home.
