Getting Your House Ready to SHOW and SELL
You have made the decisions to sell, hired a broker, and have determined the asking price, Now what? Getting your house ready to show takes some additional work. Manderley Real Estate will guide you through the process. Below is a checklist of items to consider before your Open House or private showings!
1. Plan Ahead
• Walk through each room and criticize the home from a buyer’s
perspective.
• Consider getting a professional home inspection to see if any
repairs are needed.
• Hire a contractor to handle any major projects.
• Hold a yard sale. Sell, donate or trash anything you don’t need.
2. Clean, Declutter and Depersonalize
• Thoroughly clean the entire home.
• Scrub tile in the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Clean hardwood floors.
• Steam clean carpets. Consider replacing carpet if stains are prominent.
• Get rid of all dust bunnies.
• Repair cracks and holes in the walls.
• Paint interior walls with neutral colors, like beige, grey,cream or
light pastels.
• Remove excess and oversized furniture.
• Rearrange furniture to maximize space.
• Organize room closets and store out-of-season clothes (closets
should be half empty to show better).
• Remove all small appliances, toys, magazines and pet items.
• Remove family photos, personal collections and medications.
• Remove items from the garage and store them off site.
• Secure valuable items, including cash and jewelry.
3. Maximize Curb Appeal
• Paint the home’s exterior, including trim, doors and shutters.
• Check front door, doorbell, address number and welcome mat.
• Power wash the siding and windows.
• Inspect the roof and make repairs as needed.
• Repair cracks in the driveway and sidewalks.
• Sweep the entryway and walkways.
• Mow, water and fertilize the lawn.
• Trim shrubs and trees and rake the leaves.
• Plant colorful flowers and shrubs.
• Store any toys or equipment lying on the yard.
• Clean up pet droppings.
• Clean the gutters and downspouts.
• Clean windows.
4. Pay Attention to Kitchens and Bathrooms
• Mop and wax/polish the floors.
• Clear the countertops.
• Replace outdated hardware.
• Clean appliances and fixtures.
• Clean and organize the pantry, cabinets and drawers.
• Replace old caulking around sinks and bathtubs.
• Remove stains from sinks, toilets and bathtubs.
• Keep all toilet seat lids closed.
• Hang fresh towels.
5. Appeal to the Senses
• Install higher wattage incandescent light bulbs to brighten rooms.
• Turn on all the lights.
• Open windows to let in fresh air.
• Open curtains or blinds to let in natural light and show off views.
• Turn off TVs.
• Relocate pets on the day of the open house.
• Refrain from smoking in the home.
6. Show Off Your Home’s Best Features
• Remove rugs to show off hardwood floors.
• Pull back drapes to showcase nice views.
• Stage the front porch or deck with furniture and potted plants.
• Make sure fireplaces are in working condition.
• Clean the backyard and pool area.
Remember, First impressions can sometimes be the only impression. For an assessment of your property, please contact Alexis Winnell at Alexis@ManderleyRealEstate.com.