restricted to groups of 1, 3, or 5 items.
• Clear all unnecessary objects from the kitchen countertops. If it hasn't been used for three months…put it away!
• Clear refrigerator fronts of messages, pictures, etc. (A sparse kitchen helps buyers mentally move their own
things into your kitchen.)
• In the bathroom, remove any unnecessary items from countertops, tubs, shower stalls and commode tops. Keep
only your most needed cosmetics, brushes, perfumes, etc., in one small group on the counter. Coordinate towels
to one or two colors only.
• Rearrange or remove some of the furniture if necessary. As owners, many times we have too much furniture in a
room. This is wonderful for our personal enjoyment, but when it comes to selling, we need to thin out as much as
possible to make rooms appear larger.
• Take down or rearrange certain pictures or object on walls. Patch and paint if necessary.
• Review the house inside room by room. Paint any room needing paint, clean carpets or drapes that need it, clean
windows.
• Leave on certain lights during the day. During "showings" turn on all lights and lamps.
• Have soft music playing throughout the day for all viewings.
• Lockbox--#1 Importance: "If we don't have it, they won't show it."
• Go around the perimeter of the house and move all garbage cans, discarded wood scraps, extra building
materials, etc., into the garage.
• Check gutters and/or roof for dry rot. Make sure they are swept and cleaned.
• Look at all plants…prune bushes and trees. Keep plants from blocking windows. "You can't sell a house if you
can't see it." Plants are like children-they grow so fast!!
• Weed and then bark all planting areas. Keep lawn freshly cut and fertilized. Remove any dead plants or shrubs.
• Clear patios or decks of all small items, such as small planters, flower pots, charcoal, barbecues, toys, etc. (Put
them in the garage).
• Check paint condition of the house-especially the front door and trim. "Curb appeal really works!"
Accentuate the Positive
• Replace faded wallpaper and glue any
areas that have come away from the wall.
• Repair worn woodwork.
• Repaint scarred or dirty walls in a neutral
color.
• Steam clean carpeting or replace it, if
necessary.
• Repair loose knobs, sticking doors and
windows, warped cabinet drawers,
broken light switches and other minor
flaws.
• Check and repair caulking in bathtubs
Consider Perspective
light in during the showing.
• Remove all unnecessary clutter from your
attic, basement and closets to better
display spacious rooms (consider storage
or a garage sale to dispose of extraneous
• Arrange all your rooms neatly and remove
excess furniture. Keep fresh, clean towels
fresheners to make the room smell
pleasant.
Remember the Lights
makes rooms look washed out and
lifeless.
• Be creative and arrange lamps to help
rooms seem more intimate.
• Use lighting to highlight the "living areas"
of your home, such as a pair of chairs
area.
1. Sound: Turn off the television and play soft music.
2. Sight: Turn on every light in the house (day or night) and open every drape and blind (day time only).
3. Odors: Heat some frozen pastry slowly in the oven or heat a pan on the stove and add a few drops of vanilla.
4. Kitchen: Wipe kitchen counters, place dirty dishes in dishwasher.
5. Bathrooms: Wipe counters, flush and close toilets.
6. Living/Family Rooms: Hide magazines, newspapers, and games; remove clutter.
7. Bedrooms: Straighten beds. Hide clutter under bed (not in closet).
8. Exterior: Put away toys and clutter. Keep walk clear.
9. Children & Pets: They are a distraction, so send them outside.
10. Goodbye: Sorry, but this is the single most important thing you can do in a showing to help sell your home! Even if the
showing agent insists that it is okay to stay, you must leave. Buyers must get emotionally committed to your home to buy it
and they cannot become emotional about "their new home" if you, the current owners, are "hanging around." Please, at the
very least, go into the backyard. Even better, go to the store.