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DRESS
YOUR HOUSE FOR SUCCESS
The goal is to present your
home in a manner that sets it apart from the competition.
You should strive to gain objectivity to look at your home through
"buyers' eyes."
Initially, you may wish to tour
other homes on the market that are similar in price and features, including
new homes in "move in condition." Make notes on positives and
negatives and how you feel about them.
Now, tour home with these
"buyers' eyes" and make a checklist of everything that could be an
obstacle to showcasing the full potential of your home.
Start with "curb
appeal." What impressions do you have upon first seeing your home
from the street? What can you do to improve this all important first
impression?
Next, go through
your whole house as if you were a buyer seeing it for the very first time.
Be on the lookout for subtle signs that say, "There's work to be done
here." Remember, if YOU think it's too much work, potential buyers
will probably think so too!
When your list is
complete, assign tasks, develop a timetable and reward yourself along the way.
ALWAYS KEEP YOUR
GOAL IN MIND - to sell your home at the best possible price in the least amount
of time. Investing a little time and money up front will payoff when the
curtain goes up and your home takes center stage!
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1.
UNCLUTTERING
Exterior
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Lawn & Garden -
fertilize, mow, trim, weed, water; resod bare spots
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Walks, Steps,
Driveways - clear away all items; remove weeds
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Remove Lawn Ornaments
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Pet Areas - thoroughly
pick up all debris
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Extra Vehicles -
remove from curb view
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Decks, Patios, Back
Yards - remove excess ornaments & furniture
Interior
Closets
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Remove or pack extra
stored items (make look spacious)
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Clean or paint
interior
-
Organize linens
& group like clothing
-
Remove and pack or
store extra sporting equipment
Bookshelves
Kitchen
-
Clear Counters; put
away appliances, accessories, etc.
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Remove & pack or
store extra dishes
-
Consolidate
duplicate food items
-
Remove notes &
magnets from refrigerator (unless they're from Dee Gomber & John Ask)
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Organize silverware,
utensil & "junk" drawers
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Clean or paint
flooring under the sink; organize & consolidate items
Bathroom Vanities,
Medicine Cabinets:
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Remove, pack, store
& organize extra items
-
Remove stained or
torn drawer & shelf liners
Living Areas:
-
Remove papers &
magazines from tables
-
Remove extra
furniture; arrange for openness
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Remove extra or
unhealthy plants
Collections
Children's Play Areas
Tool, Shop & Laundry
Areas
Garage
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2.
CLEANING
Exterior
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Windows - clean to
a sparkle
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Walks, steps &
driveways - sweep & remove stains
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Siding, brick or
stucco - hose off or power wash; use restoring product on vinyl &
aluminum siding
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Gutters &
Downspouts - hose out debris
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Decks, patios &
backyards - use a deck cleaner; hose off patios; wipe down lawn furniture,
grills & pool equipment
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Pool Cage &
Deck - power wash if dirty or mildew; paint Flo-Crete deck to look new &
clean
Interior
-
Floors - remove old
wax; scrub & wax to a shine
-
Carpet - clean
thoroughly; consider professional service
-
Walls - remove
fingerprints, marks & cobwebs
-
Woodwork - clean &
polish with scratch cover; touch up if painted
-
Draperies &
Curtains - launder & dry clean
-
Lighting Fixtures -
clean & polish, wash or replace bulbs
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Windows, Mirrors,
Glass Cabinets - clean to a sparkle
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Doorknobs, Handles
& Pulls - clean & polish
Kitchen
-
Clean & polish
cupboards - inside & out
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Clean &
deodorize vents & exhaust hoods
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Clean appliances
thoroughly - inside & out
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Polish & clean
sinks; remove stains
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Clean &
deodorize garbage areas; use a garbage disposal freshener
Bathrooms
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Clean & polish
vanities - inside & out
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Remove stains &
mold from sinks, tubs, & showers; clean grout
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Polish mirrors &
chrome to a sparkle
Garage, Attic,
Basements
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Sweep & vacuum
floors & ceilings
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Wash air
handler/furnace, water heater, washer & dryer
Pet Areas
Odors
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3.
REPAIRING
Making repairs now can
save money & negotiation stress down the road. Typically, purchase
offers have home inspection clauses that may result in additional negotiations,
or worse yet, findings cause an agreement to be terminated. Consider a
sellers' home inspection to eliminate buyers' objections before they
arise. Look into a home warranty to provide protection for you, and buyer,
against failure of mechanical systems.
Exterior
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Doors & Windows -
repair screens, glass & door hardware; lubricate hinges
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Sidewalks, Steps &
Driveways - repair cracks
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Siding - repair,
replace or paint as needed
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Gutters &
Downspouts - repair or replace as needed
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Fences - repair,
replace or paint as needed
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Pool Cages - repair
torn and worn screens, rusty screws, and door hardware
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Doorbells - make
certain they are in working order
Interior
-
Plumbing - repair
leaks & make all repairs
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Mechanical Systems -
have inspected & certified
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Appliances - check
bulbs; replace broken parts
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Walls & Ceilings -
patch cracks; paint as needed
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Windows - replace
cracked glass; re-caulk as needed
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Grout & Caulking -
patch or replace as needed
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Hinges & Knobs -
tighten & replace as needed
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Flooring - repair or
replace as needed
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Light Fixtures -
repair; replace if dated
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Switch Places &
Outlet Covers - replace cracked or mismatched plates
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4. NEUTRALIZING
Create a home for any lifestyle &
taste. Neutral paint, decor & carpeting help buyers mentally
"move in," while unusual or dated decorating may make it difficult for
buyers to imagine their furnishings in your home. Remember that many
people are allergic to or afraid of animals. Kennel your pets or take them
with you during showings.
Exterior
Interior
Walls
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Remove dated wallpaper
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Paint a warm, neutral color; avoid
cold whites
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Use the same color in rooms that flow
together
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Choose a warmer, neutral color for
bathrooms
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Polish paneling or, if dated, remove
or paint
Floors - replace worn or dated vinyl or
carpeting
Artwork - remove distracting or bold
posters and art
Family Photos & Collections - remove
extensive displays
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5.
DYNAMIZING
Build the essential
emotional connection by helping buyers imagine daily life in your
house.
Curb Appeal - Choose
Ideas That Add Elegance
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Keep lawn mowed,
shrubs trimmed & garden weeded
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Set a potted shrub or
topiary tree with annuals on a stoop or flank the door with matching pots;
fill widow boxes
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Add new house numbers
& a cushioned doormat
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Polish or paint the
door
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Add a fresh layer of
rock or bark
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Replace or paint the
mailbox
Entryway - Greet Buyers
With Style & Grace
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Showcase a unique
piece of furniture or artwork
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Add a mirror to
brighten an entry
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Add drama with fresh
flowers or a blooming plant
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Add warmth &
texture with an area rug
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Add a dramatic new
light fixture
Kitchen - Showcase The
Heart Of The Home
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Open a colorful
cookbook on a stand
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Create a neat, clean
look with new burner covers
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Add a new throw rug
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Fill a decorative bowl
with fresh fruit
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Add a blooming plant
where it can catch the sunlight
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Replace worn curtains
with mini blinds or a valance
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Paint worn or dated
cabinets and add new hardware
Bathrooms - Create A
Luxurious, Relaxing Feeling
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Use plush new towels
& rugs to soften hard surfaces
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Add a new fabric
shower curtain
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Highlight tubs or
vanities with colorful bath oils & salts
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Use a new bar of
unscented guest soap for showings
Bedrooms - Convey
Privacy & Comfort
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Roll back a plush
comforter to show layers of blankets & sheets; top with decorative
pillows
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Add curtains or
valances to rooms without them
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Add artwork for
elegance
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Stack a few books on a
nightstand
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Arrange toys in
children's rooms to show a quiet place to play
Living, Family &
Dining Rooms - Suggest Comfortable Family Times & Entertaining
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Drape an afghan over a
chair or sofa to suggest relaxation
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Add decorative pillows
to sofas & chairs
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Add fresh flowers to a
coffee table
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Add art pieces to a
bookcase to suggest multiple uses
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Showcase a fireplace
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Place unscented
candles on boughs, or pots of blooming plants on the grate
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Add artwork above
the mantle
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Place a basket of
birch logs on the hearth
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Dining rooms:
Backyards, Decks &
Patios - Suggest Leisure Activities
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6.
SHOWTIME!
Keeping a house in
ShowTime condition is easier when everyone participates. Assign
responsibilities for weekly & daily tasks. Remember, if you stay
ready, you won't have to get ready!
Exterior
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Pick up lawn tools
& toys
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Pick up after pets
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Remove obstructions
from curb view
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Clear driveways &
walk areas
Interior
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Do once over cleaning
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Vacuum, sweep
& dust
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Empty
wastebaskets; pick up dirty clothes
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Put away personal
care items in bathrooms
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Clean all sinks
& faucets with glass cleaner
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Make sure rugs are
clean & straight
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Freshen carpets,
draperies & upholstery with an odor neutralizer
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Clean pet areas
& remove pets, beds & toys
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Open shades &
drapes
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Set a comfortable
temperature
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Turn on all lights
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Open windows to
freshen rooms
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Arrange fresh flowers
in key areas
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Play soft music &
turn off television
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Turn off all work
sounds (dishwashers, washers, dryers, etc.)
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Final check every room
See
Related "How To Make Your Home Show Like A Model"
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