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Outside Hints
- Mow the lawn frequently
- Sweep walks, porches, and decks
- Remove anything sitting around the yard including bikes, toys, wood, non-essential lawn furniture, and leftover building materials
- Store lawn tools and lawnmower
- Place new light bulbs in all exterior lights, particularly near entrances and doors
- Trim shrubs away from windows
- Clean gutters
- Touch up paint where needed, particularly around entrances and doors
- Park extra cars, motorcycles, four-wheelers, etc. elsewhere
- Clean windows
- Clean up after pets and maintain pet area
- Replace front doormats if worn or frayed
- Fill planters with fresh flowers or add a container or two of flowers near entrances or walkways
Inside Hints
- Clean, clean, clean -- everything should shine, especially the kitchen and bathrooms
- Clear off kitchen counters of all clutter, including non-essential appliances
- Clean refrigerator, freezer, oven, range, and microwave
- Place new light bulbs in all lights and lamps
- Organize closets-go ahead and pack up and store out of season items or donate charitable items
- Clean off dressers, nightstands, coffee tables, end tables, desks, and any other surfaces. Remove all non-essential clutter, including knickknacks, collectibles, photos, and magazines
- Remove heavy and outdated draperies. Clean and leave blinds, shutters, or shears. Open all of them up to let the light in when the house is to be shown
- Clean windows so that they sparkle, particularly those highlighting your best views
- Store all toys, exercise equipment, and other non-essential items.
- Clean carpets and remove any rugs that won't be sold with the house.
- Clean pet areas and be scrupulous about pet odors, soiled carpets, and feeding areas
- Remove and store extra furniture
- Make beds
- Secure all personal items, especially jewelry, cash, and valuables
- Remove all personal art that won't be included with the house
- When the house is to be shown, place fresh flowers in the main rooms, open up the window treatments, turn on the lights, and play soft music
More Tips
- Most buyers prefer seeing homes without sellers present. If possible, take the pets and children and leave while your Realtor® is showing your home
- If strangers stop and ask to see your home without an agent, refer them to your Realtor® who can arrange for an appointment and give them all the appropriate information. This is a matter of good business and safety.
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Anything that you can do to make your home appear more spacious, light, airy, clean, and well maintained, the better off you will be. Below are some helpful hints for making your home look its best.