This checklist can help you organize what needs to be done.Dressing your house for success doesn’t need to be expensive or overly time consuming. You can borrow or rent the “extras” like decorative house plants or lawn furniture to make your house really memorable. And, if you don’t have enough time to do cleaning or repair work, consider hiring a professional. It could save you time and money later.

As you use the checklist, consult with your real estate professional Barbara Sweeney to establish your plan. She knows best what is important to buyers in your market and you’ll want to concentrate on those things that really make the difference toward a successful sale.

Where Do I Start

When you begin preparing your house for market, start outside and work your way in, keeping in mind the importance of first impressions.

It is estimated that more than half of all houses are sold before the buyers even get out of their cars! Stand across the street from your house and review its curb appeal. What can you do to improve that very first impression?

When you’re ready to begin work. use the checklist and add your own “To Do” list in the blank space provided. The checklist follows six important steps to packaging your house. Even if you can’t get to every detail, the checklist will help you keep in mind the basic steps.

Remember, you need to think like a buyer now and have a critical eye!

SIX KEY STEPS

Un-cluttering makes every room look larger and feel neater. If a house is cluttered, buyers have trouble imagining themselves in it. By removing or storing things you don’t need you create a roomy, comfortable feeling that will be inviting to prospective buyers. Remember, when in doubt, throw it out, sell it or give it away!

Cleaning makes your house easy for buyers to explore and gives the impression that it has been well cared for. Be sure every room smells as good as it looks, paying special attention to pet areas, nurseries and bathrooms. Some fresh paint and a one-time professional cleaning service can make your house look like new!

Repairing eliminates buyers’ objections before they arise. If you think something is too much trouble to fix, chances are buyers will, too. Buyers tend to think repairs will cost more than they do.

Neutralizing helps buyers see their own things in your house and picture themselves living there. Neutral paint, decor and carpeting create a home for any lifestyle. Eliminating distracting colors and accessories lets buyers concentrate on positive impressions.

Dynamizing™ makes the exterior and every room of your house special. Since it is competing with many other houses on the market, you need to make it stand out and be memorable. Look in magazines and catalogs for ideas. From the front door to the basement, from fresh flowers to fresh smells, this is the finishing touch!

SHOWTIME! is the final step before each time your house is shown. Identify jobs and assign them to make this step quick and easy. If you keep up daily, SHOWTIME! will be easier for you and your family. Plan a fun activity – away from the house -during showings.

EXTERIOR/CURB APPEAL

Un-cluttering

• Lawn/garden – mow, trim, weed, water, pick up.
• Pet areas – clean up, re-sod spots as needed.
• Extra vehicles – remove from curb view

Cleaning

• Windows – wash inside and out.
• Walks and driveway – sweep and remove stains.
• Siding/brick or stucco – hose down.

Repairing

• Doors and windows – repair screens, glass and door hardware.
• Siding – repair or paint as needed.
• Fences – repair or paint as needed.
• Sidewalks and driveway -repair as needed

Neutralizing

• Lawn areas – remove any distracting decorations

Dynamizing

• Add a large plant, wreath or doormat at entrance
• Add potted or hanging flowers to deck or porch
• Borrow lawn furniture
• Add new house numbers or a new door fixture
• Add fresh layer of rock or mulch if needed

KITCHEN

Un-cluttering

• Counters – clear extra appliances, accessories, etc.
• Cupboards – remove and pack extra dishes, food
• Memo areas – straighten and remove papers

Cleaning

• Cupboards – wipe inside and polish cabinets
• Vents, exhaust hoods – clean and deodorize
• Appliances – clean thoroughly inside and out
• Sinks – polish and clean, remove stains
• Floors and walls – scrub and wax floors
• Garbage, produce areas – clean and deodorize

Repairing

• Faucets – repair leaks
• Appliances – check bulbs, replace parts
• Wall and ceiling cracks – patch and paint

Neutralizing

• Walls – use neutral paint and wallpaper

Dynamizing

• Clean or replace reflector plates
• Add a new throw rug
• Add green or flowering plants

BATHROOMS

Un-cluttering

• Counters – clean, pack and store
• Vanities, medicine cabinets and linen closets organize, pack and store

Cleaning

• Vanities – clean inside, scrub and polish outside
• Sinks, tub and shower – remove stains and mold
• Mirrors and chrome – polish to a sparkle
• Floors and walls – scrub clean and deodorize

Repairing

• Toilets and plumbing – make needed repairs
• Grout and caulking – patch as needed
• Wall and ceiling cracks – patch and paint as needed

Neutralizing

• Walls – use neutral paint and wallpaper
• Shower curtain and towels – use basic colors

Dynamizing

• Add scented soaps or a candle
• Purchase or borrow “show” towels and accessories

ENTRYWAY/LIVING AND DINING ROOM/FAMILY ROOM

Un-cluttering

• Coffee and end tables – remove papers, etc.
• Furniture – rearrange for openness, remove and store as needed
• Plants – remove extra or unhealthy plants
• Bookshelves/office areas – straighten, pack, store

Cleaning

• Carpet –  spot clean, consider professional service
• Furniture and woodwork – polish
• Lighting fixtures – clean and polish to a sparkle
• Hardwood floors – wash and shine

Repairing

• Wall and ceiling cracks – repair and paint

Neutralizing

• Walls –  use neutral paint and wallpaper

Dynamizing

• Use logs and fireplace accessories
• Use flowers
• Rearrange pictures to highlight special areas

BEDROOMS

Un-cluttering

• Children’s play areas – straighten, store extra toys
• Closets – straighten, box and store
• Furniture – remove extra items and rearrange to enhance space

Cleaning

• Carpet – clean and deodorize in nursery
• Drapes and curtains – wash or dry clean
• Lighting fixtures – wash and clean bulbs

Repairing

• Wall and ceiling cracks – repair as needed

Neutralizing

• Walls – use neutral paint and wallpaper
• Bedspreads – use basic colors and patterns
• General decor – remove distracting posters, etc.

Dynamizing

• Arrange toys to look fun and inviting
• Open a book on a night stand
• Add a flowering plant
• Arrange decorative pillows or shams on bed

BASEMENT/GARAGE

Un-cluttering

• Tool, shop and laundry areas – straighten, box and store
• Rec room – straighten play areas, store extra toys
• Garage – store lawn/garden tools and equipment

Cleaning

• Floors – sweep, clean grease spots
• Walls and ceilings – remove cobwebs
• Windows – clean
• Pet areas – clean thoroughly and deodorize

Repairing

• Appliances – be sure furnace, water heater, etc. are in working order
• Pipes, laundry connections – check and make repairs as needed

Neutralizing

• Walls and floors – consider spray painting and throw rugs

Dynamizing

• Arrange laundry supplies to suggest ease of work
• Arrange games in play areas
• Display a project in work or hobby areas

SHOWTIME!

The final check of the details that can make your house memorable.

Inside

• Open shades and drapes
• Open windows to freshen rooms
• Arrange fresh flowers throughout
• Turn on lights
• Prepare a fire for open houses
• Set out a game, a book, a hobby project
• Set tables with flowers
• Set out “show” towels
• Make sure rugs are clean and straight
• Empty wastebaskets
• Pick up dirty clothes
• Deodorize pet areas
• Play soft music and turn off television
• Set a comfortable temperature
• Do a “once-over” cleaning – vacuum, sweep and dust
• Final check every room

Outside

• Pick up lawn tools and toys
• Pick up after pets
• Remove obstructions from curb view
• Clear driveways and walk areas