Prepping For: Open Houses/ Showings
It's a challenge to keep your home in a "show-ready" condition day in and day out!
It can be easier to prep before hand. Then when the open house/showing occurs you can minimize your steps to be ready to have your propety look and feel it's best.
Step 1: Cleaning
* Scrub tile in the kitchen and bathrooms.
* Thoroughly clean hardwood floors.
* Vacuum carpets. If time permits, rent a steam cleaner to shampoo carpets, particularly in high traffic areas.
* Dust all wood furniture, TV screens and computer monitors.
* Clear counters of all clutter. If time permits, move unnecessary appliances and decorating touches into storage areas.
* Clear the kitchen sink and counters of all dirty dishes.
* Pick up all dirty laundry. Avoid over-filling any open air hampers - laundry is better kept out of sight inside your washer or dryer.
* Remove stains from bathtubs, toilets and sinks. Step 2: Critical Eye Test
* After doing the first round of cleaning, take a walk through the house with the perspective of a buyer. Look for clutter, excess furniture or highly personal touches that might turn off prospective buyers.
* Try taking pictures of main rooms with a digital camera for an "instant review".
Step 3: Curb Appeal Checkup
* Sweep the entryway, porch and walkways.
* Mow and water the lawn.
* Store any toys or garden equipment.
* Clean up pet droppings.
* Clean gutters and downspouts.
* Add potted plants to the porch or deck.
Step 4: Closing Touches
* Turn on all lights.
* Open drapes and blinds.
* Open windows to let in fresh air.
* Burn scented candles or open jars of lightly scented potpourri. If you don't have either on hand, you can always bake cookies (the oldest trick in the book) or simmer a few drops of vanilla extract on the stove.
* Turn off all TV's, stereos and computers.
* If possible, relocate pets to a friend or neighbor's home during the showing.
* Clean the litter box thoroughly to rid your home of smells. If pets can be temporarily relocated, remove the litter box entirely.
* Hang fresh towels in every bathroom.
* Put fresh liquid soap or bar soap in each bathroom.
* Remove rugs to showcase hardwood floors.
* Put out fresh flowers and fill candy dishes.
|
|
