These items that may not cost much will help make a good first impression.
1. Mow the lawn , trim bushes and allow plenty of light in through the windows. Mulch the flower beds.Remove weeds.The front yard is first thing they see when they park the car.Sometimes they ask for the address and want to drive by and see the outside.
2.Wash windows and sliding door.
3.Paint the front door.
4.Buy a new door mat.
5.If the house number looks worn out, get new numbers
6.Put a nice wreath on the door.
7.If the door bell is not working fix it.
8.If there are any leaky faucets, fix them.Sorry, if there are many leaky faucets, and you need a plumber it will cost more, but to create a good impression you need to address this.But you will save on water bills if you fix them.
9.Buy light bulbs and replace burnt out ones wherever needed.The house should be brightly lit for showings.
10.Buy new shower curtains to replace the moldy ones. Buy matching towels.
11.Paint your mail box or replace it if rusted.
12.Hide your trash can.
13.Make it a habit to keep the kitchen sink empty.Either put them in dishwasher right away or wash them immediately.A sink full of dishes turns off people.
14 Decorate the front entrance with 2 nice big pots of seasonal flowers .
15.Shampoo your carpet.
16.In winter make sure the heat is comfortable and that the house is not too cold.In summer turn on the airconditioner and keep it cool.Or if you have fans keep them on in all the rooms.
17.Do not let your pets greet people at the door. Some people will not enter a house with pets.They are terrified of animals.If possible take the dog for a walk when expecting a showing. Or make arrangements for agent to come first and take the pet inside.
18.Hide your laundry in the washing machine.
19.Get a professional cleaning person clean the house and then just maintain it that way.
20.Put out potpourri and if you are going to be home light scented candles.
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Gita, I have stopped by some Open Houses that the Sellers should have been given this list!!!
Oh by the way maybe once they hide the laundry in the washing machine, they will take the next step and wash it......LOL
Good advice, Gita.
Cynthia Tilghman, Hubert, NC New Home Specialist
Also,
1. Leave all windows open during an open house to expand the size of the room,
2. A drop of Vanilla in the oven at about 350 for ten minutes makes a house smell like home,
3. Park the car around the corner - Never leave a car in the driveway or garage,
4. Painting two four walls in a room a light color will make that room appear to be larger - It tricks the eye and,
5. Always, Always, Always patch and paint any cracks in the walls and ceilings - There is no reason your house should "feel" older than it is.
Gita, A consultation from a Home stager doesn't hurt either. Great post. I recently went into a home that I was asked to consult on and there were flies on the floor beside the window. Yuk. What a turn off. Let's all work together to educate the homeowners about what helps their house to sell.