This is my Goal! Your Goal should be to present a clean, spacious, clutter-free home. The kind that you would like to buy! Photographs are most import to the sale of the home. They can make or break it. The checklist below will help you prepare your home for photos and impending visits from agents and the public.

Curb Appeal:

1. Mow lawn and trim shrubs
2. Edge gardens and walkways
3. Remove all cars from driveway
4. Hide garbage cans inside
5. Sweet walkways and driveways, remove branches, litter and toys
6. Add colour and fill bare spots with plantings
7. Remove mildew or moss from walls or walks with bleach and water
8. Take stains off your driveway with cleaner or kitty litter
9. Stack woodpile neatly
10. Clean and repair patio and deck areas
11. Remove any outdoor furniture that is in disrepair
12. Make sure pool is sparkling clean
13. Replace old storm doors and screens
14. Check for flat fitting roof shingles
15. Repair broken windows/shutters
16. Make sure frames and seams have solid caulking
17. Clean and remove rust from any window A/C units or store them away
18. Clean or paint the front door and mailbox
19. Shine hardware on front door, exterior lighting fixtures
20. Add new front door matt and seasonal decoration
21. Make sure door bell is working

General Interior Tips:

1. Add fresh coat if interior paint in light neutral colour
2. Shampoo carpeting, replace if necessary
3. Clean and wax hardwood floors, refinish if necessary
4. Clean and wash kitchen and bathroom floors, replace if required
5. Wash all windows, vacuum blinds, wash window sills
6. Clean fireplace
7. Clean out and organize closets, pack unused clothes that will add extra space
8. Remove extra furniture, worn rugs, and items you do not use
9. Put away papers, toys especially from stairs

General Interior Tips: (cont)

1. Repair easy fixes: loose doorknobs, cracked molding, leaky taps and toilets, squeaky doors, closet or screen doors off their tracks, etc.
2. Add dished potpourri or drop of vanilla or bath oil on light bulbs for scent
3. Secure jewelry, cash, or other valuables

Kitchen:

1. Make sure appliances are spotless inside and out (try baking soda for cleaning Formica stains)
2. Make sure all appliances are in working order
3. Clean often-forgotten spots on top of fridge and under sink
4. Wax or sponge floors to brilliant shine, clean baseboards
5. Organize items inside cabinets, pre-pack anything you won’t be using before your move
6. Keep counters clear and empty as possible

Living Room:

1. Make it cozy and inviting, discard chipped or worn furniture and frayed or worn rugs
2. Consider packing away personal photos
3. Remove as much clutter as possible

Bathroom:

1. Remove all rust and mildew
2. Make sure tile, fixtures, shower doors are immaculate and shining
3. Stow all personal hygiene items
4. Put out fresh towels and linens

Master Bedroom:

1. Organize furniture to create a spacious look with well-defined sitting, sleeping, and dressing areas
2. Organize and minimize clutter in closets

Dining Room:

1. Polish any visible silver or crystal
2. Set the table for a formal dinner to help viewers imagine entertaining here

Basement:

1. Sell, give away, or throw out all unnecessary items
2. Organize and create more space by hanging tools and placing items on shelves
3. Clean water heater and drain sediment
4. Change furnace filter
5. Make inspection access easy
6. Clean and paint concrete floors and walls
7. Provide strong overhead lighting

Attic:

1. Tidy up by discarding or pre-packing
2. Make sure exposed insulation is visible and in good condition
3. Make sure air vent is in good working order
4. Provide strong overhead lighting

When It’s Time to Show:

1. Make sure all marketing materials are readily available in a convenient location, such as the kitchen
2. Open all draperies and shades, turn on all lights
3. Keep the home at a comfortable temperature
4. Pick up toys and other clutter, check to make sure beds are made and clothes are put away
5. Give the carpets a quick vacuuming
6. Add some strategically placed fresh flowers throughout the home
7. Open bathroom window for fresh air
8. Store prescription drugs in a private place
9. Pop a spicy dessert or just a pan of cinnamon in the oven for aroma. The smell of freshly-baked cookies is always appealing
10. Grind fresh lemon in the garbage disposal or boil cinnamon sticks to add a fresh scent
11. Turn off the TV and put on some light, non-offensive music at a low volume
12. Make a afire in the fireplace (optional)
13. Put pets in the backyard or arrange for a friend to keep them
14. Make sure pet areas are clean and 100% odor free