Cristina Calderon

Show your home at its best with this quick checklist from our real estate pros.
In addition, our team of experts can help you professionally stage your home to attract buyers.

 

Potential buyers often drive by before deciding they want to see the inside of a house, so make sure the front-door area looks nice.
01.	Make the front entrance inviting.
	* Front Door Design * Pediment and Pilasters	* Install a Kickplate
Put away personal photos, knickknacks, boxes — anything that will distract the buyer from concentrating on the house.
02.	Clear away clutter
	* Storage Solutions * From Clutter to Cozy	* Clearing Closet Clutter * Controlling Paper Clutter
Take time to make bathrooms sparkle, wash the windows, and clean kitchen appliances. Don't forget under the sinks!
03.	Clean the house thoroughly.
	* Bedroom Cleaning * Cleaning Staircases * Cleaning Bath Fixtures	* Cleaning Blinds * Cleaning Light Fixtures
A little paint can go a long way in making your home sellable: repaint much-used rooms in neutral colors to make them look clean and fresh.
04.	Freshen the appearance of rooms.
	* Preparing to Paint * Painting a Room * Interior Paint	* Painting Tips * Painting a Popcorn Ceiling * Painting Paneling
Remove extra, unwanted furniture and arrange remaining pieces in a way that creates smooth traffic flow.
05.	Arrange furniture for spaciousness.
	* Arranging Furniture * Large Space Solutions	* Rearranging Furniture
People never forget smells when they walk in the door. Try your best to remove odors caused by pets, smoking and cooking.
06.	Do all you can to reduce odors.
	* Controlling Odors * Removing Odors	* Homemade Air Fresheners
Take a hard look around your home and see it from a buyer's perspective: oil door and window hinges, fix loose handrails, etc.
07.	Perform all minor repairs, if necessary.
	* Wall Repair * Shower Tile Replacement * Replace Glass in French Door	* Windowsill Replacement * Painting Metal Shutters * Replace Stair Treads
Wall sconces, recessed lighting or pendant lights are good alternatives to that single old-fashioned overhead fixture.
08.	Replace outdated light fixtures.
	* Lighting in the Kitchen * Lighting Fixtures	* Light Up Your Life
Unless it's extremely worn, you may be able to avoid replacing carpet. Buyers often prefer to choose their own new carpet or opt for hardwood floors.
09.	Clean the carpeting.
	* Get Rid of Carpet Stains * Cleaning Carpet	* Patching Carpet
It's tempting to stash stuff away in these areas of the home, but when you're selling, they have to be neat and clean too!
10.	Don't forget the garage and basement.
	* Garage Maintenance * Garage Cleanup	* Repairing Cracks in a Concrete Floor