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 or replace 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 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 and Community Information (display in kitchen)
Paid utility bills
Current property tax receipts
Real estate listing sheet
Floor plan (if available)
List of upgrades you've put into the house (and dates, if available)
Map and/or list of community features and points of interest
Warranty information on appliances
ONE FINAL SUGGESTION: Ask your sales professional to take a walk through your house and offer suggestions on how to make it show best. There's simply no better source of ideas for making a house more marketable.
The Melton Team has been selling homes in the Richmond area for over 8 years. We pride ourselves on being the internet real estate experts in the area. We sell single family homes, new homes, townhomes, condos, land and more. We service the following areas: Henrico, Hanover, Mechanicsville, Chesterfield and more. If we can’t offer you what you need, we’ll be glad to find someone who can!
5388 Discovery Park Blvd Suite 110 Richmond, VA 23233 Erin Melton - Licensed In The State Of Virginia RE/MAX Peninsula Each Office Independently Owned and Operated Erin - 804.335.8572 Fax: 1.866.737.9752 Email: meltonteam@gmail.com
