Clean and Declutter
- Thoroughly clean the entire home.
- Scrub tile in the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Clean hardwood floors.
- Steam clean carpets.
- Get rid of all dust.
- Repair cracks and holes in the walls.
- Paint interior walls with neutral colors. Kiln Beige by Sherwin Williams is a builder favorite.
- Rearrange furniture to maximize space.
- Organize room closets and store out-of-season clothes.
- Remove all small appliances, toys, and magazines.
- Remove family photos and personal collections.
- Secure valuable items, including cash and jewelry.
- Consider investing in a new welcome mat.
- Paint your front door a color that really pops! For ideas visit Pinterest.
- Wash windows.
- Sweep the entryway and walkways.
- Mow, water and fertilize the lawn.
- Pull weeds out of flower beds and add mulch if necessary.
- Trim shrubs and trees and rake the leaves.
- Plant colorful flowers and shrubs.
- Clean up pet droppings.
- Clean the gutters and downspouts.
- Clear the countertops.
- Clean appliances and fixtures.
- Clean and organize the pantry, cabinets and drawers.
- Replace old caulking around sinks and bathtubs.
- Remove stains from sinks, toilets and bathtubs.
- Keep all toilet seat lids closed.
- Hang fresh towels and purchase fresh smelling pump soap for bathrooms.
- Bake cookies or burn scented candles.
- Leave a fruit or vegetable tray at your open house for your real estate agent to offer to potential buyers.
- Install higher wattage incandescent light bulbs to brighten rooms.
- Turn on all the lights.
- Weather permitting, open windows to let in fresh air.
- Open curtains or blinds to let in natural light.
- Turn off TVs.
- Consider taking your pets out on the town on the day of the open house.
- Remove rugs to show off hardwood floors.
- Pull back curtains to showcase nice views.
- Stage the front porch or deck with furniture and potted plants.
- Clean the backyard and pool area.