Before You Begin Showing

Exterior

Ø    Repaint siding

Ø    Repaint or touch up trim

Ø    Repair/repaint gutters and downspouts

Ø    Repair/repaint fences

Ø    Seal driveway

Ø    Remove oil stains from garage floor

Ø    Wash all windows

Ø    Remove all screens (windows look cleaner)

Ø    Trim trees, hedges, shrubs

Ø     Weed and feed lawn

Ø     Remove all clutter (garden tools, toys, etc.)

 Entranceway

Ø     Check working order of doorbell and exterior light

Ø     Replace welcome mat

Ø     Repair/repaint storm door and/or front door

Ø     Clear interior entry of all clutter

Ø     Clear and clean out front hall closet

 Living/Dining/Family/Bedrooms

Ø      Repaint or touch up walls and ceilings

Ø      Repair/replace old molding

Ø      Shampoo carpet and/or wash and wax floors

Ø      Remove excess or unattractive furniture

Ø      Clean curtains, shutters, blinds, etc.

Ø      Clean fireplace, mantle, shelving

Ø     Replace old bedspreads

 Kitchen/Baths

Ø      Repair or replace faucets and fixtures

Ø      Repaint or repaper walls

Ø      Thoroughly clean range/oven, refrigerator and other appliances

Ø      Clear out and clean cabinets, drawers, and medicine chests

Ø      Remove clutter from countertops

Ø      Clean or replace curtains

Ø      Grout tubs and showers

Ø      Replace old toilet seats and shower curtains

 General

Ø     Replace burned-out light bulbs

Ø     Clear cobwebs from corners and doorways

Ø     Wash light switches, hand rails, and doorknobs

Ø     Clear and clean all closets

Ø     Add "welcoming" touches: potted plants, dried flowers, etc.

Before Every Showing or Open House

Exterior

Ø      Pick up tools and toys

Ø      Put garbage cans in garage

Ø      Close garage door

Ø      Park cars on street or around corner

 Interior

Ø      Clear off all counters and table tops

Ø      Turn on all lights

Ø      Open shades and curtains

Ø      Put soft music on stereo

Ø      Give the house a pleasant aroma -- fresh bread, fire in fireplace, etc.

Ø      Set dining room table

Ø      Make all beds

Ø      Set thermostat at comfortable temperature

 House & Community Information

(display in entranceway or another prominent place)

Ø      Paid utility bills

Ø      Current property tax receipts

Ø      Real estate listing sheet

Ø      Floor plan (if available)

Ø      List of upgrades you've put into the house

Ø      Map and/or list of community features and points of interest

Ø     Warranty information on appliances