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Making the Inside
of Your Home Shine
Tips for Showing Your
Home
Nothing adds housewarming appeal like your home's interior.
Experience shows that creating a housewarming feeling inside
your home increases its desirability. View your home with
the critical eye of the prospective buyers.
- In addition to keeping these rooms tidy, consider
adding flowers and/or candles to enhance the room's
attractiveness.
- Arrange furniture to promote a spacious atmosphere.
- Make beds, arrange cushions, dust shelves.
- Wallpaper should be clean and adhere smoothly to the
walls.
- Make sure the fireplace is in working order.
- Repair any cracks in walls and ceilings and touch
them up with paint.
- Inspect and repair any caulking or grouting in ceramic
tile areas.
- Clean any stains from the sinks, faucets, or tubs.
- Clean even the small stuff such as the soapdish.
- Clear all counters of unnecessary items to remove
clutter.
- Make sure the stove and oven are clean.
- Make sure that towels are freshly washed to prevent
a mildew odor.
- Beware of odors caused by garbage, hampers, and various
foods.
- Buyers will look in drawers and cabinets. These areas
are noticeable so keep them organized.
- Put dishes away, unless for a formal, decorative display.
- Clear rooms and closets of everything but the basics.
Make the rooms appear spacious.
- Make sure your windows are clean and that they let
in lots of light.
- Make sure the drapes are tidy and pulled back from
the windows
- All drapes should be properly attached.
- Consider having your drapes professionally cleaned.
- Repair or replace damaged screens and window glass.
- Repair or replace any areas of damaged or worn tiles,
hardwood, or vinyl surfaces.
- Be aware of odors that may have been caused by dampness
or pets.
- Be sure baseboards are firmly attached and all blemishes
corrected.
- Consider replacing your carpets if they are old or
there color is outdated. Buyers often will buy elsewhere
as opposed to replacing the carpets.
- Any remaining carpets should be steam cleaned or shampooed,
and frequently vacuumed.
- Secure any loose carpeting.
| Closets and Storage Areas
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- Ample storage space makes a home more attractive,
so remove as much belongings as possible.
- Buyers will want to check in closets. Make sure the
doors are working properly.
- Most people are turned off by even the smallest of
odors. Many sellers lose thousands of dollars due to
odors they don't realize, but buyers do.
- Odors are common for homes with dogs, cats, young
children in diapers, or smokers.
- Most Realtors have a difficult time communicating
to their sellers about odor. If you are employing an
agent to get the most possible money for you, please
do not be offended if he or she must confront you about
odor problems.
- Polish brass door handles and be sure all the locks
work properly.
- Keep stairways safe, tidy, and secure the handrails.
- Be conscious of odors caused by dampness or heavy
traffic.
- Cut back outdoor plants that restrict natural light.
- Garage and workshop items should
be neatly stored in shelves or wall units.
- Allow appropriate room for homebuyer
to visualize their vehicle and work bench.
- Remove extra cars from property.
- Consider putting excess or oversized
items into mini-storage.
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