Cleanliness Sells

While it does take time to prepare your home, in the end it will help to add visual appeal and result in a better showing.  It’s a common fact that clean homes net more money.

The Yard

  • Make sure your lawn is manicured.
    • Keep the lawn mowed.
    • Trim shrubbery, bushes & trees removing all dead limbs & debris.
    • Add fertilizer or greening agent to lawn & plants.
    • Use an edger along the sidewalks and driveways
    • Remove all weeds from flowerbeds, rocks & cracks in concrete. (Weed Be Gone).
  • Install and Inspect decorative metal, stone borders between lawn & planting beds.
  • Clean up rock and mulch beds making sure the the ground is covered, add more if needed.

Decks, Patios, Driveways, Porches, & Fences

  • Power Wash driveways & sidewalks.
  • Repair holes & cracks.
  • Remove stains.
  • Replace or repair broken areas.
  • Paint and/or stain fences & decks.
  • Arrange outdoor furniture & firewood neatly.
  • Put away all lawn equipment, bikes, & toys.

House

  • Inspect all gutters, downspouts, siding, windows sashes, trim & shutters.
    • Clean & Paint, or replace.
  • Replace any broken windows, doors & screens.
  • Inspect the roof for missing or damaged shingles & flashing.
  • Clean & touch up paint on the little things: House numbers, mailboxes, doorbells, etc…

Front Porch: This should be very welcoming.

  • Paint door & trim.
  • Sweep and clean porch area.
  • Put out a new doormat.
  • Install potted or hanging plants if possible.
  • Clean glass on porch lights and remove bug remains.

Interior

  • Clean the entire home!
    • Windows & screens.
    • Curtains, drapes & blinds, lamp shades.
    • Carpets. If pet stains exist replace carpet & pad.
    • Clean floors.
    • Clean, paint or replace all vent covers.
    • Clean, polish, paint/stain wood trim in home.
  • Be sure to remove pet & smoke odor when cleaning.
  • Freshly paint home using white, off white or beige paint that are easy to match with.
  • Repair damages to walls & ceilings. Includes: holes, cracks, & water stains.

Kitchen & Baths

  • Thoroughly clean all counter tops, appliances, mirrors, ovens, sinks, toilets, tub, & shower walls.
  • Put away the small appliances to open up counter space.
  • Clean ventilating hood & exhaust fans.
  • Remove rust stains from sinks and bathtubs.
  • Clean & organize drawers, cabinets, & linen closets.
  • Clean all tile grout & caulk. (Clorox Bleach Pen & Mr. Clean Magic Eraser).
  • Re-caulk areas that can not be cleaned.

Make House Light & Bright!

  • Replace bulbs with high wattage bulbs.
  • The Brighter the better!

Closets – Make the appear larger!

  • Leave only a few items on the floor of closets.
  • Organize your shoes on racks.
  • Neatly arrange items on shelving.
  • Leave extra space on shelves and floor.

Pay Close Attention to the Little Things

  • Tighten loose door knobs.
  • Fix any leaky faucets.
  • Tighten loose towel racks.
  • Oil any squeaky doors or drawers.
  • Arrange furniture to give an open feel. Remove any unnecessary or over sized furniture.
  • Make sure all switches & outlets are clean & working properly.
  • Place fresh flower arrangements throughout home.
  • Make sure windows open & close without squeaking.
  • Hide Prescription medication. Theft of these items is rising.

Heating & Cooling

  • Clean fireplaces and remove smoke stains.
  • Clean your furnace / air conditioner and replace filter if needed.
  • Clean water heater.

Garage, Basement, Attic, & Storage Areas

  • Dispose of everything you are not going to move.
  • Arrange items neatly & clutter free.
  • Remove stains & dirt from floor.
  • Organize garden tools & equipment.
  • Wipe off dirt and spider webs from water heater, furnace, washer & dryer.