William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty

Your home has just one chance to make a great impression with each potential buyer. And it can! The following "tricks of the trade" will help you keep track of what needs to be done. The whole idea is to present a clean, spacious clutter-free home the kind of place you'd like to buy. Accomplish a little everyday, and before long your home will be ready to make the impression that can make the sale.

YOUR HOME'S CURB APPEAL

Mow lawn

Trim shrubs

Edge gardens and walkways

Weed and mulch

Sweep walkways and driveway, remove branches, litter or toys

Add color and fill in bare spots with plantings

Remove mildew or moss from walls or walks with bleach and water or other cleaner

Take stains off your driveway with cleanser or kitty litter

Stack woodpile neatly

Clean and repair patio and deck area

Remove any outdoor furniture which is not in good repair

Make sure pool or spa sparkles

Replace old storm doors

Check for flat-fitting roof shingles

Repair broken windows and shutters, replace torn screens, make sure frames and seams have solid caulking

Hose off exterior wood and trim, replace damaged bricks or wood

Touch up exterior paint, repair gutters and eaves

Clean and remove rust from any window air conditioning units

Paint the front door and mailbox

Add a new front door mat and consider a seasonal door decoration

Shine brass hardware on front door, outside lighting fixtures, etc.

Make sure doorbell is in good working order

GENERAL INTERIOR TIPS

Add a fresh coat of interior paint in light, neutral colors

Shampoo carpeting, replace if necessary

Clean and wax hardwood floors, refinish if necessary

Clean and wash kitchen and bathroom floors

Wash all windows, vacuum blinds, wash window sills

Clean the fireplace

Clean out and organize closets, add extra space by packing clothes and items you won't need again until after you've moved

Remove extra furniture, worn rugs, and items you don't use; keep papers, toys, etc. picked up--especially on stairways

Repair problems such as loose door knobs, cracked molding, leaking taps and toilets, squeaky doors, closets or screen doors which are off their tracks

Add dishes of potpourri, or drop of vanilla or bath oil on light bulbs for scent

Secure jewelry, cash and other valuables

THE LIVING ROOM

Make it cozy and inviting, discard chipped or worn furniture and frayed or worn rugs

THE DINING ROOM

Polish any visible silver and crystal

Set the table for a formal dinner to help viewers imagine entertaining here

THE KITCHEN

Make sure appliances are spotless inside and out (try baking soda for cleaning Formica stains)

Make sure all appliances are in perfect working order

Clean often forgotten spots on top of refrigerator and under sink

Wax or sponge floor to brilliant shine, clean baseboards

Unclutter all counter space, remove countertop appliances

Organize items inside cabinets, pre-pack anything you won't be using before you move

THE BATHROOMS

Remove all rust and mildew

Make sure tile, fixtures, shower doors, etc. are immaculate and shining

Make sure all fixtures are in good repair

Replace loose caulking or grout

Make sure lighting is bright, but soft

THE MASTER BEDROOM

Organize furnishings to create a spacious look with well-defined sitting, sleeping, and dressing areas

THE GARAGE

Sell, give away, or throw out unnecessary items

Clean oily cement floor

Provide strong overhead light

Tidy storage or work areas

THE BASEMENT

Sell, give away, or throw out unnecessary items

Organize and create more floor space by hanging tools and placing items on shelves

Clean water heater and drain sediment

Change furnace filter

Make inspection access easy

Clean and paint concrete floor and walls

Provide strong overhead light

THE ATTIC

Tidy up by discarding or pre-packing

Make sure energy-saving insulation is apparent

Make sure air vent is in working order

Provide strong overhead lighting

WHEN IT'S TIME TO SHOW

Make sure your property profile folder, utility bills, MLS profile, house location survey, etc. are available

Open all draperies and shades, turn on all lights

Pick up toys and other clutter, check to make sure beds are made and clothes are put away

Give the carpets a quick vacuuming

Add some strategically placed fresh flowers

Open bathroom windows for fresh air

Pop a spicy dessert or just a pan of cinnamon in the oven for aroma

Turn off the television and turn on the radio music at a low volume

Make a fire in the fireplace if appropriate

Put pets in the backyard or arrange for a friend to keep them

Make sure pet areas are clean and odor-free

Make sure all trash is disposed of in neatly covered bins