Planned open house appointments will allow you time to prepare. But often times, the window of opportunity to
expose your property to a motivated buyer can be small. So every time you leave your home, make sure it is
ready for an unexpected showing.

General Preparation
When preparing your home, think about the techniques used to show builders’ model homes or what you might
do to prepare for honored guests.

•  Review pointers from “First Impressions” checklist, particularly regarding cleanliness, clutter, and repairs interior
   and exterior
•  Create as light, cheerful and serene an environment as possible.
•  Open drapes and light lamps including those in closets, basement or attic.
•  Add a welcoming touch by filling candy dishes and putting out fresh flowers.

Bedrooms

•  Make beds, put clothes and toys away, keep decorator pillows orderly.
•  Turn blinds so slats are uniformly open. Put on light if room is dark.

Bathrooms

•  Put out a clean hand towel, fresh soap and soap dish.
•  Put commode lid down and ensure tissue supply is adequate.
•  Potpourri dish can provide a nice sight and scent.

Kitchen

•  Put away last minute dishes and conceal countertop articles.
•  Simmer a few drops of vanilla on stove.

Dining Room

•  Arrange inviting centerpiece.
•  Consider setting the table with fine china and linen.
•  Light chandelier.

Living Room/Family Room/Den

•  Straighten pictures on walls.
•  Adjust couch cushions and throw pillows.
•  Dispose of newspapers and drink containers, and polish tabletops.
•  Light fireplace in winter.

Entryway

•  When exiting just before buyers arrive, turn around at front door and see what the prospect’s first impression
   will be. What is the first thing you notice from that vantage point? Is it an asset?

 **Notify your neighbors of scheduled open house days, and assure them they’ll be welcome.
   Their eagerness to discover decorating ideas for their own homes may actually result in them
   turning up a buyer among their friends**

Exterior and Curb Appeal
Experts say most buyers make their decision at first sight!

General Exterior
Prospective buyers will react well to signs your home has been meticulously maintained.

•  Manicure landscaping: mow, edge and water lawn, trim hedges, weed and fertilize flower bed, and prune new trees.
•  Keep driveway clean and free of parked cars, and keep the garage door closed.
•  Repair or replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
•  Minimize cracks or crumbling on walkways, walls, or steps, and keep them clean and free of obstructions like toys or snow
•  Items from RV’s to waste cans left out can contribute to a cluttered or busy appearance. Make sure that from the street, your
   property appears clear
•  Inspect appearance of interior window coverings from the curb.
•  Repair any peeling paint or loose caulking on windows or other areas.
•  Take steps to eliminate insect or rodent pests.
•  Pick up after your pets or neighborhood animals.

Doorway
While agents work the lockbox for a key, buyers have idle time to notice details.

•  Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door and frame
•  Consider adding pots of flowering plants in the entryway if weather permits
•  Eliminate cobwebs and groom doorway area windows, porch light, or decorative glass

Interior Appeal Clean, Clear, Light and Bright
Once inside, experts say most buyers are reaffirming their curbside decision.

•  Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning and remove all clutter. Hiring a cleaning service may pay for
   itself by adding to a buyer’s perceived value of your home.
•  For a sleeker, more spacious look, consider placing furniture from crowded rooms in storage.
•  Clear kitchen counters of everything other than perhaps a few very pretty items. Ask yourself: In a model home,
   would a professional decorator put your choice of items out on the counter?
•  Remember: closets will be opened! Keep closets, cupboards, and even your attic orderly and neat. Since you
   are anticipating a move anyway, consider holding a garage sale or boxing and storing unused belongings
•  If necessary, repaint or clean/replace dingy, soiled or strongly-colored walls, and window and floor coverings
   with a light, neutral shade. Bright rooms look bigger, and neutral colors help buyers envision their own furnishings and decor.
•  Repair dripping faucets, burned-out light bulbs, or cracked windowpanes
•  Repair cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, and tiles.

  Warm and Homey

•  Subtle scents of potpourri in bedrooms or baths and fresh baked cookies or cinnamon in the kitchen
   can make your home more inviting.
•  Keep an attractive set of towels in each bathroom to be brought out only for showings