The goal is to present a clean, spacious, clutter-free home – the kind you’d like to buy! Do a little each day and it will pay dividends.

Curb Appeal

• Mow lawn
• Trim shrubs
• Edge gardens and walkways
• Weed and mulch
• Sweep walkways and driveways, remove branches, litter and toys
• Add color and fill bare spots with plantings
• Remove mildew or moss from walls or walks with bleach and water
• Take stains off your driveway with cleaner or kitty litter
• Stack woodpile neatly
• Clean and repair patio and deck areas
• Remove any outdoor furniture which is not in good shape
• Make sure pool or spa sparkles
• Replace old storm doors
• Check for flat-fitting roof shingles
• Repair broken windows/shutters, replace torn screens, make sure frames and seams have solid caulking
• Hose off exterior wood and trim, replace damaged bricks or wood
• Touch up exterior paint, repair gutters and eaves
• Clean and remove rust from any window A/C units or store them away
• Paint the front door and mailbox
• Add a new front door mat and consider seasonal door decoration
• Shine brass hardware on front door, exterior lighting fixtures, etc.
• Make sure doorbell is in good working order

General Interior Tips

• Add a fresh coat of interior paint in light neutral colors
• Shampoo carpeting, replace if necessary
• Clean and wax hardwood floors, refinish if necessary
• Clean and wash kitchen and bathroom floors
• Wash all windows, vacuum blinds, wash window sills
• Clean the fireplace
• Clean out and organize closets, add extra space by packing clothes and items you won’t need again until after you’ve moved
• Remove extra furniture, worn rugs and items you don’t use: keep papers, toys, etc. picked up, especially on stairs
• Repair easy fixes: loose doorknobs, cracked molding, leaky taps and toilets, squeaky doors, closet or screen doors off their tracks, etc.
• Add dished potpourri or drop of vanilla or bath oil on light bulbs for scent
• Secure jewelry, cash or other valuables
• Living Room
  • Make it cozy and inviting, discard chipped or worn furniture and frayed or worn rugs
  • Consider packing away personal photos
  • Remove as much clutter as possible

  Dining Room

  • Polish any visible silver or crystal
  • Set the table for a formal dinner to help viewers imagine entertaining here

  Kitchen

  • Make sure appliances are spotless inside and out (try baking soda for cleaning formica stains).
  • Make sure all appliances are in perfect working order
  • Clean often forgotten spots on top of fridge and under sink
  • Wax or sponge floors to brilliant shine, clean baseboards
  • Organize item inside cabinets, pre-pack anything you won’t be using before your move
  • Keep counters as clear and empty as possible

  Bathrooms

  • Remove all rust and mildew
  • Make sure tile, fixtures, shower doors, are immaculate and shining
  • Make sure all fixtures are in good shape
  • Replace loose caulking or grout
  • Make sure lighting is bright, but soft
    Master Bedroom
    • Organize furniture to create a spacious look with well-defined sitting, sleeping and dressing areas
    • Organize and minimize walk-in closet

    Basement

    • Sell, give away or throw out unnecessary items
    • Organize and create more space by hanging tools and placing items on shelves
    • Clean water heater and drain sediment
    • Change furnace filter
    • Make inspection access easy
    • Clean and paint concrete floors and walls
    • Provide strong overhead lighting

    Attic

    • Tidy up by discarding or pre-packing
    • Make sure exposed insulation is visible and in good condition
    • Make sure air vent is in good working order
    • Provide strong overhead lighting

    When It’s Time To Show

    • Make sure all marketing materials are readily available
    • Open all draperies and shades, turn on all lights
    • Pick up toys and other clutter, check to make sure beds are made and clothes are put away
    • Give the carpets a quick vacuuming
    • Add some strategically placed fresh flowers
    • Open bathroom window for fresh air
    • Pop a spicy desert or just a pan of cinnamon in the oven for aroma
    • Turn off the TV and put on some light non-offensive music at low volume
    • Make a fire in the fireplace (seasonal)
    • Put pets in the backyard or arrange for a friend to keep them
    • Make sure pet areas are clean and 100% odor-free
    • Make sure all trash is disposed