EXTERIOR:
• Landscape. Keep the grass mowed and edged. Trim plants, add fresh mulch and colorful flower spots.
• Repair, paint, or wash all exterior walls, doors, and trim.
• Power-wash exterior concrete and other hardscapes to unify surface color. It will make these areas look larger.
• Wash the windows, inside and out. Remove unnecessary screening.
• Decorate outside with planters and potted plants.
• Decorate the patio or deck with flowerpots and enough furniture to show that it is usable living space.
• Furnish covered porches with small outdoor tables and chairs to turn them into obvious living spaces.
INTERIOR:
• Less is more – remove enough so that there is some empty space in closets, on shelves, and in cabinets.
• Remove or hide all small kitchen appliances.
• Remove all refrigerator art, family pictures, school schedules, magnets, calendars, etc.
• Pack up all personal photos.
• Remove religious and political decor
• Remove personal items from bathroom, tub, and showers; shampoo, toothpaste, brushes, used towels, etc.
• Remove and store seasonal clothes from closets.
• Rent a storage unit. Remove all visible storage boxes from closets and garage.
• Remove unneeded furniture to make rooms look larger.
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• Remove dated or worn furnishings and accessories. Display only updated new looking items.
• Replace light bulbs that are out.
• Remember, “One will do.” When accessorizing surfaces, remember that for staging purposes one item is better than two or more. One vase or clock on a fireplace mantle shows off your home better than two or three items.
• Use mirrors generously. A mirror at the end of a long hallway makes the home look larger and relieves any cramped feeling. A mirror opposite the bathroom vanity pushes walls back and makes small bathrooms larger.
• Paint the interior of the house and the front door.
• Replace old carpeting and flooring. Be sure that any remaining carpet, drapery, or upholstery is odor-free.
• Arrange a minimum number of towels in bathroom racks and put out fresh soap.
• Use fresh flowers in vases.
• Remove some furniture to open up the rooms. Rule of thumb: consider eliminating half of all furniture.
• Air the home by opening windows and doors.
• No drips! Repair all plumbing, faucets, running toilets.
• Clean or repair/replace worn caulking around tubs, sinks, counter tops.
• Deep-clean entire house, oven, fireplace, garage, etc.
• Enhance fireplace firebox with candles or decorative logs.
• Replace or supplement furniture and accessories with rentals, if necessary.
• Consider a Pre-listing Home Inspection!
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