 |
ERA "Show and Sell" Checklist
 |
| Additional Answers Sections Below: |
 |
|
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
- 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 & 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 ERA American 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.
 
|
