Clear all unnecessary objects from furniture throughout the house
Clear all unnecessary objects from kitchen countertops
In the bathroom, remove items from the countertops, tubs, shower stalls and commode tops
Ensure that the bathroom tubs, tile, sinks, shower floor and ceiling and toilet bowls are free of mildew and look sparkling clean (toilet lids closed!)
Rearrange or remove some of the furniture if necessary
Take down or rearrange pictures or objects on walls
Patch and paint where necessary
OUTSIDE:
Go around the perimeter of the house and remove all garbage cans, discarded wood scraps, extra building materials etc. into the garage or trash
Check gutters and/or roof for leaks and/or dry rot
Weed and then mulch all planting areas
Clear patios and decks of all small items, such as small planters, flowerpots, charcoal, barbecues, toys etc.
Check paint condition on the house, especially the front door and trim
Review if shutters, shingles, stone or bricks need replacing
Check exterior stairs and handrails; walkways, screens, screen doors
Review the house inside room by room and:
Paint any room that needs it
Clean carpets and vacuum drapes
Clean windows and cobwebs from ceilings and chandeliers
Make sure the closets and garage are not “too full”
Replace burned out light bulbs and repair any faulty switches
Repairs and improvements will facilitate a sale being made
Make certain all rooms are odor-free
If you check all of these off before a showing, you're already ahead of most other sellers in the way your home shows!
