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
• Repair or replace faucets or 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
• Clean the exterior of your house - rent a gas-powered pressure washer

Interior
• Clean off all counters and table tops
• Turn off 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 marketable.

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 or appliances