Curb Appeal – Will Visitors Come In or Drive On?
Mow and water the grass the day weekly so the yard will look neat and green.
Trim any trees, shrubs or flowers that overhang the walkway. Weed any flower beds visitors will be walking past. Get rid of grass/weeds growing between the cracks in your walkway or driveway.
Remove any stains on the driveway or walkway.
Put away any tools, toys, etc. left in the front yard.
Replace or remove a worn-out welcome mat and consider putting a pot of colorful flowers near the entry.
Wash the doorknob and sweep away any cobwebs in the entry.
Cleanliness and Clutter – Two Different Impressions
To show your home at its best, clean floors, clean windows and screens, wash dishes and put them away, clean sinks, clean the tub and the shower. Clean closets too – prospective buyers will open the doors.
Clear the kitchen and bathroom counter tops, and every other flat space where the clutter of normal life is deposited. Empty the trash cans and, if you have a cat, clean the litter box.
If you haven’t done so already, remove boxes and furniture that just take up space and make the room appear smaller. Put away family photos to help visitors imagine their family living in the house.
Replace any burned-out light bulbs, lubricate doors that stick, wash the door knobs.
Straighten the cushions on the sofa. Fluff the pillows. Make the beds. Put the toilet lid down.
Enhance your home’s smell with potpourri, plug-in room fresheners or scented candles. Put a bowl of fresh fruit on the counter or as a table centerpiece – smells good and looks good too.
Don’t Forget the Garage and Back Yard
Tidy up the garage. Home buyers want to picture their vehicles in the garage.
Mow the grass and weed the flower beds. Sweep or hose the patio deck and remove any dead plants. Arrange patio furnishings so the buyer can envision entertaining guests there.
Is your back yard littered with discarded items, garden tools and toys? Get rid of what you don’t want, put away tools, and store toys that aren’t used every day.
Do you have a dog? Plan to take the dog with you during showings and open houses so visitors can walk around the back yard – and please don’t forget to pick up the “land mines” that dogs leave behind.