ERA "Show and Sell" Checklist
If you want to get the best possible price for your house, start by making sure it looks its best, inside and out. The following checklist offers several easy things you can do to improve a buyer's first impression. While all the points may not apply to you, the process will help you develop an eye for the most attractive aspects of your house.

Before You Begin Showing
Exterior
    Repaint siding
    Repaint or touch up trim
    Repair/repaint gutters and downspouts
    Repair/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 lawn
    Remove all clutter (garden tools, toys, etc.)
 
Entranceway
    Check working order of doorbell and exterior light
    Replace welcome mat
    Repair/repaint storm door and/or front door
    Clear interior entry of all clutter
    Clear and clean out front hall closet
 
Living/Dining/Family/Bedrooms
    Repaint or touch up walls and ceilings
    Repair/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
    or replace faucets and fixtures
    Repaint or repaper 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
 
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
 
House & Community Information (display in entranceway or another prominent place)
    Paid utility bills
    Current property tax receipts
    Real estate listing sheet
    Floorplan (if available)
    List of upgrades you've put into the house
    Map and/or list of community features and points of interest
    Warranty information on appliances
 
Ask your agent to take a walk through of 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.

Before you list, give your house a bath -- rent a gas-powered pressure washer.

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