HOME APPEARANCE CHECKLIST

Marketing a home is a TEAM effort!

I also need help to get the most money for your home, within the shortest period of time, without problems.

First Impressions Count

• In summer, a well-manicured lawn and cleanly swept walkways.
• Please remember to edge along the sidewalks.
• In winter, snow and ice removed from walkways and driveways.
• Freshly painted front door and mailbox – and replace front door screen if necessary.
• Absence of clutter in yard and driveway.
• Have windows clean and remove any stickers on it.
• Repair broken outdoor steps.

Cleaning and Decorating Sells

I know from past experience that the following tips help bring a higher selling price:

• Fresh coat of paint wherever possible.
• Have ventilating fans in kitchen and bath cleaned.
• Have the kitchen floor in like-new condition
• Absence of clutter on kitchen counters.
• Repair all dripping faucet.
• Put clean towels in the bathroom.
• Repair any loose knobs, warped drawers and sticking windows and doors.
• Clean the fireplace and if it's a wood burner - filled it with logs.
• Make sure all light bulbs and switches are in working order – especially in basement and closets.
• Caulking in tubs and showers in good repair.
• Remove excess furniture from house and stored elsewhere.
• Remove excess clothing from closets and stored elsewhere.

Prepare for Showing

Make your home as appealing as possible.

• Open draperies and curtain and turn on all lights (darkness depresses and makes rooms seem small).
• Turn off television sets and record players (a low-keyed, soft music is pleasant).
• Keep pets outside or at least out of the way
• Fresh flowers wherever possible make a good impression (if it’s winter, display color photo of your yard in full bloom).
• Don’t volunteer answers to unasked questions (“This is a family neighborhood” really DOES turn off some buyers).
• Remove dirty dishes.
• A need and tidy bedrooms and nice beddings always move buyers.
• Try to stay in one area of the house when it’s being shown.  (Your presence, or your children’s, will make the buyer uncomfortable, and he/she will miss noting the fine features of your home).
• Let the Realtor who is showing your home answer any questions or objections.