Real Estate News

Exterior: Curb Appeal

• Take down any past seasonal items, including holiday decorations.

• Take a look at your property from across the street and identify things you can do to make your home more presentable.

• Clear away children’s items and store them.

• Put away gardening tools, home improvement equipment and materials.

• Mow the lawn and clear it of clippings. Be sure to remove any dead or decaying plants.

• Dispose of any litter.

• Remove any animal droppings.

• Put down fresh mulch or pine needles in flower beds.

• Sweep driveways, decks, porches, sidewalks, walkways, etc.

• Ensure your lawn, walkways, flowerbeds, and driveways have a clean line with edging.

• Clear out any moss/algae or even pollen from the roof, gutters, siding, eaves, etc.

• Open up the view, invite more sunlight in, and make sure walkways aren’t obstructed by trimming trees, shrubs, and bushes.

• Clean light fixtures.

• Paint front door and trim if it is tired or chipped. A buyer’s eyes

• find the front door immediately upon arriving at the property.

• Update doorbell, house numbers, knockers; they should be coordinated and appear new, not tarnished.

• Consider front door accessories such as a kick plate, new hardware.

• Fix sticky door handles or locks. They make it difficult to enter and do not make a good first impression.

• Clean light fixtures.

Sell, Donate, or Store:

• Any items that do not lend themselves to a simplified, showcased environment.

• Window screens and screened doors.

• Boats, RV’s, watercrafts, ATV’s, etc.

• Children’s Toys

Interior: Front Entrance

• Vacuum and/or wash floors and carpets.

• Wash marks off walls, baseboards, trim, light switches, doors, and hardware.

• Clean windows, mirrors, and light fixtures until they shine.

• Dust all surfaces.

• Keep wall hangings and pictures at eye level.

• Remove window treatments.

• Ensure furniture does not hinder traffic flow.

• Hang coats on similar hangers arranged in the same direction, and hide small items in baskets.

• Determine if there are any odors to get rid of. Ask someone who doesn’t live in your home to help.

Sell, Donate, or Store:

• Any furniture not used for a specific purpose.

• Any fixtures not intending to stay in the property upon its sale.

• Any valuable items or collectables.

• Personal items—such as family photos, religious symbols, etc.

• Area rugs.

• Any signs of pets.

• Any catch all tables and shelves.

• Boots, shoes, ball caps, and any seasonal items.

• Children’s toys.

Interior: Family Room / Great Room

• Vacuum and/or wash floors and carpets.

• Wash marks off walls, baseboards, trim, light switches, doors, and hardware.

• Clean windows, mirrors, and light fixtures until they shine.

• Dust and clean all surfaces.

• Dust any TV’s, stereo equipment, etc.

• Keep wall hangings at eye level.

• Clean every detail of the fireplace to show care.

• Arrange a limited number of neutral pillows to add a warm look and feel to the room.

• Play soft music—if it is coordinated with music in other areas. Do not play different music in each room.

Sell, Donate, or Store:

• Any furniture not used for a specific purpose.

• Any window treatments that aren’t a necessity. They should not distract from any potential view, be outdated, or dominate a room. If they do so, take them down to depersonalize a room, open up the room, and/or maximize sunlight.

• Children’s toys and games.

• Wall hangings and pictures. Set aside only one large picture per wall, or a group of three smaller pictures.

• Two-thirds of everything stored on bookshelves. Display remaining items in an organized and attractive way.

• Any valuable items and collectibles.

• Personal items such as family photos, religious symbols, etc.

• Any items stored under furniture.

Interior: Formal Dining Room

• Vacuum and/or wash floors and carpet.

• Wash marks off walls, baseboards, trim, light switches, doors, and hardware.

• Clean windows, mirrors, and light fixtures until shining.

• Clean and tidy table and chairs.

• Arrange any electronics.

• Rotate square tables so they are at an angle from the wall, to make the room feel more spacious and maximize traffic flow.

• Display a fresh flower arrangement in the center of the table.

• Keep wall hangings and pictures at eye level.

• Create a small vignette of a bottle of wine, a few wine glasses, and a carafe on a hutch (if available).

• Open window treatments for every showing (if drapes remain).

• Window treatment should not distract from any potential view, be outdated, or dominate a room; otherwise take them down to depersonalize the space, open the room, and maximize sunlight.

Sell, Donate, or Store:

• Any furniture not used for a specific purpose.

• Any window treatments that aren’t a necessity.

• Any valuable items and collectables.

• Any fixtures not intending to stay in the home after the sale.

• Buffet off the hutch, to open up space.

• Table leaves and additional chairs.

• Area rugs.

• Wall hangings and pictures (set aside only one large picture per wall or a group of three smaller pictures).

• Personal items such as family photos, religious symbols, etc.

Interior: Kitchen

• Clean and polish floors, any stainless steel, reflective surfaces, and /or tiles.

• Ensure every detail of EVERY appliance sparkles.

• Wipe down walls and baseboards.

• Ensure all glass, fixtures, faucets, and windows glisten.

• Dust and clean the top of all cabinets.

• Renew wood surface by applying appropriate products.

• Clean all hardware, especially cabinet doorknobs and drawer pulls.

• Clean backsplash; if tiled, bleach and reapply sealer.

• Keep the kitchen sink clean and empty on a daily basis.

• Prevent odors by emptying trash and disposal daily.

• Keep the inside of cabinets clean and tidy.

• Arrange any square or rectangular table on an angle so it appears to be the smallest it can be to create more space.

• Display a fresh flower arrangement on the table, or a fruit bowl on the counter.

• Open drapes for every open house or showing, if you choose not to put them in storage.

Sell, Donate, or Store:

• Any furniture not used for a specific purpose.

• Any window coverings (if view permits), to maximize natural light in the room.

• Any valuable items and collectables.

• Personal items such as family photos, religious symbols, etc.

• Area rugs, with the exception or using one to distract from dated or unsightly floor patterns.

• Anything you normally wouldn’t find in a kitchen.

• Any signs of pets such as food dishes, toys, or litter boxes.

• Trash cans and compost bins.

• Cleaning supplies (store securely and out of reach).

• Any items kept on any surfaces, such as items on tables, window ledges, countertops, etc.

• Knives and other sharp objects (store high and out of sight).

• Any cooking ingredients.

• Refrigerator stuff; it should be clear of magnets, children’s art, etc.

• Any fixtures not intending to stay in home upon sale.

• Any added shelving or cabinets. It may give the impression that there is not enough storage space in kitchen cabinets and/or pantry.

Interior: Formal Living Room

• Vacuum and/or wash floors and carpets.

• Wash marks off walls, baseboards, trim, light switches, doors, and hardware.

• Clean windows, mirrors, and light fixtures until they shine.

• Dust and clean all surfaces.

• Keep wall hangings at eye level.

• Clean every detail of the fireplace to show care.

• Arrange a limited number of neutral pillows to add a warm look and feel to the room.

• Open window treatments for every showing (if drapes remain and the view is becoming and not unsightly).

• Play soft music—if it is coordinated with music in other areas. Do not play different music in each room.

Sell, Donate, or Store:

• Any furniture not used for a specific purpose.

• Any window treatments that aren’t a necessity. They should not distract from any potential view, be outdated, or dominate a room. If they do so, take them down to depersonalize a room, open up the room, and/or maximize sunlight.

• Children’s toys and games.

• Wall hangings and pictures. Set aside only one large picture per wall, or a group of three smaller pictures.

• Two-thirds of everything stored on bookshelves. Display remaining items in an organized and attractive way.

• Any valuable items and collectables.

• Personal items such as family photos, religious symbols, etc.

• Any items stored under furniture.

• Anything you wouldn’t normally find in a living room, such as a treadmill.

• Any fixtures not intending to stay in home upon sale.

• Any signs of pets such as food, dishes, toys, or litter boxes.

Interior: Home Office

• Vacuum and/or wash floors and carpets.

• Wash marks off walls, baseboards, trim, light switches, doors, and hardware.

• Clean windows, mirrors, and light fixtures until they shine.

• Dust and clean all surfaces.

• Arrange electronics and/or computer in an orderly fashion. Ensure cords that are in use are arranged neatly.

• Keep wall hangings at eye level.

• Ensure personal information is kept out of sight (KEEP COMPUTER TURNED OFF).

Sell, Donate, or Store:

• Two-thirds of everything stored on bookshelves. Display remaining items in an organized and attractive way.

• Any work-related items not used daily.

• Any electronics not used daily.

• Any valuable items and collectables.

• Personal items such as family photos, religious symbols, etc.

• Any signs of pets such as food dishes, toys, or litter boxes.

• Any items stored under furniture.

• Any fixtures not intending to stay with the house after it sells.

Interior: Bonus Room / Rec Room / Game Room

• Vacuum and/or wash floors and carpets.

• Wash marks off walls, baseboards, trim, light switches, doors, and hardware.

• Clean windows, mirrors, and light fixtures until they shine.

• Dust and clean all surfaces.

• Keep wall hangings at eye level.

• Clean every detail of the fireplace to show care.

• Keep any computer areas clean and free of clutter and wires.

• Arrange furnishings to display a lifestyle of fun and leisure.

• Arrange a limited number of neutral pillows to add a warm look and feel to the room.

• Open window treatments for every showing (if drapes remain and the view is becoming and not unsightly).

• Play soft music—if it is coordinated with music in other areas. Do not play different music in each room.

Sell, Donate, or Store:

• Any items not lending themselves to a simplified, showcased environment.

• Any special collections, or any expensive or personal items, such as family photos, religious symbols, etc.

• Any furniture not used for a specific purpose.

• Any window treatments that aren’t a necessity. They should not distract from any potential view, be outdated, or dominate a room. If they do so, take them down to depersonalize a room, open up the room, and/or maximize sunlight.

• Wall hangings and pictures. Set aside only one large picture per wall, or a group of three smaller pictures.

• Two-thirds of everything stored on bookshelves. Display remaining items in an organized and attractive way.

• Anything sitting on tables, except a lamp and one discreet item.

• Any signs of pets such as food, dishes, toys, or litter boxes.

Interior: Laundry Room

• Clean floors, walls, windows, baseboards, trim, light switches, fixtures, and hardware.

• Do the laundry, and place dirty laundry in the washer or hidden in a nice hamper to clear the area.

• Clean the dryer lint tray to indicate good care and not imply any fire hazards.

• Keep both the washer and dryer clean and looking as new as possible.

• Keep workspace clear of any clutter, clothes, and/or garbage.

• Arrange appliances and create a work space to appear like a laundry room. if laundry room is an unfinished basement, ensure it feels like a room and not just a washer and dryer placed in the basement.

• Light area well, it opens up space and buyers feel more comfortable.

• Empty garbage bin.

Sell, Donate, or Store:

• Any empty containers that are not currently being used or are almost empty.

• All items from countertops.

• Any excess laundry supplies (keep out of sight).

• Any remaining laundry that needs to be put away.

• Anything not usually found in a laundry room.

• Anything hanging on a laundry line.

• Any signs of pets such as food, dishes, toys, or litter boxes.

Interior: Bedrooms

• Vacuum and/or wash floors and carpets.

• Wash marks off walls, baseboards, trim, light switches, doors, and hardware.

• Clean windows, mirrors, and light fixtures until they shine.

• Dust and clean all surfaces.

• Decorate bed to display a plush and luxurious look. Display bed linens (turned down neatly) to display an ease of lifestyle.

• Pick a monochromatic color scheme (if you can), because it evokes serenity. Add a limited number of neutral pillows to add warmth to the bedroom.

• Make sure bedroom is immaculate before every showing.

• If window treatments are a necessity, they should not distract from any potential view, be outdated, or dominate a room, (otherwise take them down to open up the room and maximize sunlight).

• Play soft music—if it is coordinated with music in other areas. Do not play different music in each room.

Sell, Donate, or Store:

• Any furniture not used for a specific purpose.

• Any and all dirty laundry (even if stored in a hamper).

• Books, bibles, and magazines.

• Valuables and collectables.

• Children’s toys and games.

• Anything you wouldn’t normally find in a bedroom, such as a treadmill.

• Wall hangings and pictures. Set aside only one large picture per wall, or a group of three smaller pictures.

• Two-thirds of everything stored on bookshelves. Display remaining items in an organized and attractive way.

• Personal items such as family photos, religious symbols, etc.

• Any items stored under furniture.

• Any signs of pets such as food dishes, toys, litter boxes, or pet beds.

Interior: Bathrooms

• Clean walls and floors.

• Clean all countertops and surfaces.

• Clean the toilet, sink, tub, and/or shower.

• Clean shower curtain or doors and ensure there is no sign of soap residue.

• Ensure windows, mirrors, fixtures, chrome, and brass fixtures glisten.

• Ensure grout is like new.

• Eliminate any rust spots from shower, tub, and/or sinks.

• Display window coverings if required.

• Display fresh flower arrangement in a vase on the counter.

• Display shower and/or tub by opening the curtain or shower doors by one-third.

• Display a set of luxurious towels (to be specifically for open houses and/or showings).

• KEEP THE TOILET SEAT DOWN!

• Ensure there are no odors.

Sell, Donate, or Store:

• Decorative rugs and covers.

• Non-matching and/or extra towels.

• Personal things and those things you need daily (store in baskets and place under the sink or in a cabinet).

• Trash cans, cleaning products, and plunger (place under sink or elsewhere).

• Reading material (place in a magazine rack or elsewhere).

Interior: Closets and Linen Spaces

• Clean shelving, interior walls, doors, and hardware.

• Keep floors vacuumed and clear with the exception of neatly arranged footwear.

• Hang clothes on hangers, with all items facing the same direction (wooden hangers if possible). Distribute clothing evenly along the rod to give impression of spaciousness.

• Tidy small items you use daily by storing in baskets placed on shelves.

• Store bedding inside its matching pillowcase for neatness and ease of use.

• Coordinate linens by color.

Sell, Donate, or Store:

• Items you haven’t used within the past year (and pack those you haven’t used within the last six months).

• All items being stored in closet that don’t normally belong in a closet.

Interior: Garage

• Sweep and clean the floors.

• Ensure walls are relatively clean.

• Store garbage neatly and remove any odors.

• Ensure windows, doors, hardware, light switches, and fixtures are clean and functioning properly.

• Arrange required items neatly on shelves and in containers for a neat appearance.

• Remove any spider webs or telltale signs of insects of any kind.

• Ensure all chemicals are properly stored in bins, high on shelves.

• Keep the door into the house closed (if possible).

• Keep the garage doors down.

Sell, Donate, or Store:

• Any items not being used on a daily basis, such as sports equipment or seasonal items.

• Any items not usually stored in a garage, such as Aunt Susan’s old tea cart that you promised to refinish one day.

• Tools and equipment that can’t be displayed to add to the lifestyle you wish to portray.

• Any toxic supplies (put in plastic storage bins with lids, and put high on a shelf out of harm’s way). Empty paint cans and/or other toxic containers can be taken to your local environmental depot.