Before You Begin Showing Your Home

Show and Sell Checklist

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To get the best possible price for your house, make sure it looks its best, inside and out. The following checklist offers several things you can do to improve the buyers first impression.

Before You Begin Showing

Exterior

	Repaint siding
	Repaint or touch up trim
	Repair or repaint gutters and downspouts
	Repair or repaint fences
	Seal driveway
	Remove oil stains from garage floor
	Wash all windows
	Remove all screens (windows look cleaner)
	Trim trees, hedges, shrubs
	Weed and feed the lawn
	Remove all clutter (garden tools, toys, etc)

Entranceway

	Check working order of doorbell and exterior light
	Replace welcome mat
	Repair and repaint storm door and or front door
	Clear interior entry of all clutter
	Clear and clean out front closet

Living/Dining/Family/Bedrooms

	Repaint or touch up walls and ceilings
	Repair or replace old molding
	Shampoo carpet and/or wash and wax floors
	Remove excess or unattractive furniture
	Clean curtains, shutters, blinds, etc.
	Clean fireplace, mantle, shelving
	Replace old bedspreads

Kitchen/Baths

	Repair or replace faucets and fixtures
	Repaint or re-paper walls
	Thoroughly clean range/oven, refrigerator and other appliances
	Clear out and clean cabinets, drawers, and medicine chests
	Remove clutter from countertops
	Clean or replace curtains
	Grout tubs and showers
	Replace old toilet seats and shower curtains

General

	Replace burned out light bulbs
	Clear cobwebs from corners and doorways
	Wash light switches, hand-rails, and doorknobs
	Clear and clean all closets
	Add "Welcoming" touches; potted plants, dried flowers, etc.

Before Every Showing or Open House

	Exterior
	Pick up tools and toys
	Put garbage cans in garage
	Close garage door
	Park cars on street or around corner
	Clean the exterior of your house - rent a gas powered pressure washer

Interior

	Clear off all counters and table tops
	Turn on all lights
	Open shades and curtains
	Put soft music on stereo
	Give the house a pleasant aroma - fresh bread, fire in fireplace, etc.
	Set dining room table
	Make all beds
	Set thermostat at comfortable temperature
	Ask your agent to take a walk through your house and offer suggestions on how to make it show better. There's simply no better source of ideas for making a house more marketable.

House and Community Information
(display in entranceway or another prominent place)

	Paid utility bills
	Current property tax receipts
	Real estate listing sheet
	Floor plan
	List of upgrades you've put into the house
	Map and/or list of community features and points of interest
	Warranty information on appliances

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