• Flowers by the front door are a nice touch. A green, well-manicured lawn, neatly clipped shrubbery, cleanly swept walks create a good first impression.
• Paint or stain the front door to look fresh and inviting. Examine the exterior paint and window frames, and repaint or touch-up as necessary.
• Inspect the roof, gutters and downspouts.
• Keep decks and patios free of clutter.
• In Winter, keep walks free of snow and ice.

• Make the kitchen bright, attractive and clean.
• Remove messages and pictures from the refrigerator door.
• If the kitchen floor is worn or outdated, consider installing new flooring.
• Remove all but necessary items from the countertops.

• Repair dripping faucets.
• Keep fresh towels in the bathrooms.
• Remove stains from fixtures.
• Unclog slow drains.

• Have all walls in good repair.
• Check ceilings for leak stains. Fix the cause of the damage, repair the ceiling and paint.
• Choose conventional colors when painting and redecorating.
• Remove ashes from fireplaces and woodstoves and clean the chimney.
• Wash windows.
• Replace cracked glass.
• Mend torn screens.
• Have all windows in working order.
• Replace burned-out and dim light bulbs with brighter ones.
• Make sure every light switch works.
• Clean the carpet and drapes as needed and polish the floors.
• Straighten closets.
• Use a fabric and air freshener or potpourri to eliminate unpleasant odors.
• Lubricate any squeaking doors. For sliding doors or drawers that stick, rub the tracks with paraffin.
• Pack collections and family pictures that may distract the buyers.

Basement, Attic, Garage:

• Clean out attic, basement and garage and dispose of those items you are not moving. Package everything you won’t need until you’re settled in your new home.
• Have stairs to the basement well lighted.
• If your basement is dark, paint ceilings and walls a light color.

When Your House Is Being Shown:

• Rooms appear larger and more inviting if window coverings are open.
• Have your home well-lighted during showing.
• At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting.
• Have a cozy fire in the fireplace when possible.
• Neatness makes a room look bigger. Avoid clutter.
• Consider storing excess furniture from overcrowded rooms.
• Avoid having dirty dishes in the sink or on counters.
• Keep toys in the children’s rooms.
• When possible, have soft music playing, turn the TV off.
• Be away if your sales associate is holding an open house.
• Take pets outdoors when your house is being shown.
• Let the real estate expert show your house. Answer questions candidly when asked, but don’t offer answers to unasked questions.
• Refer direct inquiries you receive about seeing your house to your Realtor to take advantage of their professional skills in selling your home.