The goals of pre-marketing home preparation are to mitigate objections and make yours is the best house for the money that buyers see. THis leads to a quicker sale and a higher price.

KITCHEN

This room is one of the most important in the house. It’s the center of the house and buyers expect a great deal from this room. You probably have more clutter in this room than you realize so you’ll need to work extra hard to get it ready and keep it that way. 

  1. If the kitchen is dated, we will evaluate ways to mitigate that condition without expensive renovation. This can include new pulls for cabinets, painting cabinets and/or replacing appliances or counters.
  2. Stow all countertop appliances that do not get used every day. Be sure those that remain are clean. Move them to places where the cord can be hidden behind the appliance unit if possible.
  3. Cleanliness is critical. Pay close attention to the sink, appliance faces and handles, the stove top, and the inside of the oven, dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator.
  4. Store all soaps, sponges, towels and rags. The kitchen should feel as close to unused like a model home as possible.
  5. Clean out the refrigerator and pantry so they do not look overloaded.
  6. Make sure doors and drawer faces are level and open and close properly.
  7. If you have an electric range, be sure the burner units are level or the glass cooktop is in good condition.
  8. There should be nothing hanging or taped to the refrigerator.
  9. Store the mail piles, bulletin boards, kids’ homework and everything else that isn’t part of the basic cooking and eating functions. If there’s a desk area designated for these items, we still recommend storing paperwork and loose items.
  10. If you are short on cabinet space, consider storing some items so the cabinets have some empty space.
  11. Be sure the kitchen table and chairs are not too big for the room; they will make the room feel too small and interfere with the traffic flow in the room.
  12. Consider having fresh flowers or a large bowl of fruit in the center of the room (possibly on table or island).
  13. If the floor is tile, make sure the grout is clean and its property original color.
  14. Laundry room. Remove everything that is not used on a routine basis. Make sure the washer and dryer are clean and appear in good condition.

BATHROOMS

Take the spotless and sparkle concept from the kitchen and add “luxurious” for the bathroom strategy.

  1. If the fixtures are dated, we will evaluate replacement.
  2. Hang plush towels on the towel rack. Replace them if needed. Match them to the area rugs. Go with a light neutral color if the bath is painted a darker color.
  3. Roll some towels and place them on the edge of the tub and/or on the counter to create a spa-like feel.
  4. Store all soaps, toothbrushes, razors, washcloths, etc. The baths should show like they have never been used.  Everyone should have a bucket or plastic bin so they can break out their personal items when needed and store them easily when finished.
  5. Pay close attention to glass shower doors. This glass needs to look new so the shower looks unused.
  6. Bleach all discolored grout and if it can’t be whitened, consider a top coat of grout. Do the same for caulking. This includes the floor grout.
  7. Look out for toothpaste in the sinks and stow the bath toys.
  8. Replace worn or nasty-looking toilet seats, rugs, towels and shower curtains.

FAMILY AND LIVING ROOMS

People spend the most time in their family room (or living room if there is no family room), which is even more true for families. Buyers want to envision relaxing, watching TV and entertaining.

  1. Arrange the furniture for both conversation and watching television.
  2. Be sure there is not too much furniture in the room because it will make the room feel small. Remove pieces that are unnecessary or too big. Maximize “openness” and size.
  3. If furniture is worn out, try a slip cover or consider replacing. A stager can also provide rental furniture.
  4. Remove knickknacks and clutter. Don’t forget the mantle.
  5. Arrange furniture so the room feels large and open.

BEDROOMS

  1. Remove unnecessary furniture so rooms feel as large as possible.
  2. Clear off side tables. Put magazines, books, glasses, remotes, etc. in a cabinet or get a small container and stow them under the bed.
  3. Make the beds look plush. If bedding is getting a bit shabby, replace it. Inexpensive bedding is available at discount stores and will still look great. 
  4. Clean out closets so hanging clothes are not cramped. Do not use the floors for storage except shoes. These things will need to be packed anyway so do it now. Target half full for closets.
  5. Kids rooms. Do not make everyone miserable by holding these rooms to the same standard as the rest of the house. Size is most important so remove unnecessary furniture and toys so the rooms feel big. Otherwise, just de-clutter as much as you can and keep them neat. But there’s no need for these rooms to be perfect.

EXTERIOR

Walk out to the street and look at your house. Stand back and look at each side and the back. Note anything you see that looks in need of attention. Have a friend do the same. Then go to where the buyer will likely park and walk to the front door. Note anything you see along the route. This is a big part of the buyer’s first impression.

Grounds

  1. Grass should be freshly cut at all times. You will have drive-bys in addition to scheduled showings.
  2. Be sure edges are sharp and mulch looks fresh.
  3. Remove dead annuals and cut back spent perennials.
  4. Take out dead shrubs and trees.
  5. Keep shrubs neatly trimmed.
  6. Add color. Potted flowers can be an alternative to planting in beds.

House

  1. Be sure house is clean including windows. Remove all dirt/mold from siding, trim, gutters, foundation and basement walkups. If you pressure wash siding be prepared to clean windows afterwards.
  2. Closely examine all wood surfaces such as trim, soffits and railing spindles. Be sure the wood surfaces are adequately painted and do not show any signs of rot.
  3. Consider neutralizing if the shutters and/or front door are an unusual color or do not match.
  4. Pressure wash concrete walkways, pavers as needed.

ENTRYWAY

Buyers notice everything around the entryway because they are standing around while the agent opens the lockbox and unlocks the door. This is a critical first impression opportunity.

  1. Enhance the front porch with one or two potted plants.
  2. If the porch is large, consider adding a chair.
  3. In addition to the porch surface and siding being clean, check the corners around the front door frame and the undersurface of the roof.
  4. If there is a railing, make sure it looks freshly painted.
  5. Clean light fixtures and replace fixtures that are getting ugly.
  6. Front door should be freshly painted and clean with a clean and secure doorknob.
  7. Be sure the entrance doesn’t feel hidden, dark or secluded.  If there’s a large evergreen blocking the front porch from the street, take it out.  Buyers will notice if the entryway does not feel safe and secure.
  8. Replace a worn or stained welcome mat.

OTHER

  1. Remove most personal photos (vacations, weddings, family, etc.). Eliminate walls of smaller hung photos. They distract buyers from the house. Having a few random photos around the house is okay. 
  2. Open shutters, shades and blinds, pull back drapes and turn on all lights. Replace low wattage bulbs with brighter bulbs. The house must be bright for showings.
  3. Clean white surfaces such as doors, door frames and switch cover plates.
  4. Store all trash cans inside closets or cabinets (especially baths and kitchen).
  5. Repair minor defects such as nail pops and loose railings. 
  6. If you have pets, centralize all litter boxes, beds, etc. in one place such as the basement or laundry room. They create more odor than you realize. Plan to have the carpets cleaned before showings begin.
  7. Buyers understand that the clutter you remove needs to go someplace so using garages and basement storage to an extent is okay. However, buyers do want to feel these spaces are large enough for them so don’t overload these areas. Get a POD and move it offsite if needed.
  8. Laundry room. Remove everything that is not used on a routine basis. Make sure the washer and dryer are clean and appear in good condition.  Be sure the area is neat.
  9. If there is a rough-in in an unfinished basement, be sure it’s visible and readily accessible to buyers.