Tips for General Interior Condition

  Add a fresh coat of interior paint in light, neutral colors
  Shampoo carpeting, replace if necessary
  Clean & wax hardwood floors, refinish if necessary
  Clean & wash kitchen & bathroom floors
  Wash all windows and vacuum blinds
  Clean the fireplace
  Clean & organize closets, add extra space by packing what you won't need
  Remove extra furniture, worn rugs, items you don't use
  Repair problems; loose door knobs, cracked molding, leaking taps & toilets, squeaky doors, closets or screen doors which are off their tracks

The Living Room

  Make it cozy and inviting, discard chipped or worn furniture and frayed or worn rugs

The Dining Room

  Polish any visible silver and crystal
  Set the table for a formal dinner to help viewers imagine entertaining there

The Kitchen

  Make sure appliances are spotless inside and out
  Make sure all appliances are in perfect working order
  Wax or sponge floor for brilliant shine, clean baseboards
  Unclutter all counter space, remove countertop appliances
  Organize items inside cabinets
  Pre-pack anything you won't be using before you move

The Bathrooms

  Remove all rust and mildew
  Make sure tile, fixtures, shower doors, etc. are immaculate and shining
  Replace loose caulking or grout
  Make sure lighting is bright, but soft

The Master Bedroom

  Organize furnishings to create a spacious look

When It's Time To Show

  Open all draperies and shades, turn on all lights
  Pick up toys and other clutter, make sure beds are made
  Give the carpets a quick vacuuming
  Add dishes of potpourri, or drop of vanilla or bath oil on light bulbs for scent
  Add a new front door mat and consider a seasonal door decoration
  Secure jewelry, cash and other valuables

Outdoor Exerior Setting

  Mow lawn
  Trim shrubs
  Edge gardens and walkways
  Weed and mulch
  Sweep walkways and driveway; remove branches, litter or toys
  If Snowing, shovel a path; salt or sand walkway
  Add color and fill in bare spots with plantings
  Remove mildew or moss from walls or walks
  Take stains off your driveway with cleanser
or kitty litter
  Stack woodpile neatly
  Clean and repair patio and deck area
  Remove any outdoor furniture which is not in
good repair
  Make sure pool or spa sparkles
  Replace old storm doors
  Check for flat-fitting roof shingles
  Repair broken windows and shutters, replace
torn screens
  Hose off exterior wood and trim, replace damaged bricks or wood
  Touch up exterior paint, repair gutters and eaves
  Clean and remove rust from any window air
conditioning units
  Paint the front door and mailbox
  Shine brass hardware on front door, outside light fixtures, etc.
  Make sure doorbell is in good working order

The Garage

  Sell, give away, or throw out unnecessary items
  Clean oily cement floor
  Provide strong overhead light
  Tidy storage or work areas

The Basement

  Sell, give away, or throw out unnecessary items
  Organize and create more floor space by hanging tools and placing items on shelves
  Clean water heater and drain sediment
  Change furnace filter
  Make inspection access easy
  Clean and paint concrete floor and walls
  Provide strong overhead light

The Attic

  Tidy up by discarding or pre-packing
  Make sure energy-saving insulation is apparent
  Make sure air vent is in working order
  Provide strong overhead lighting