Home Preparation Guide

It is said that “Web appeal is the new curb appeal.” First impressions are very important and most home buyers judge whether to visit a home in person based upon their first impression of the property via photographs.

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• Thoroughly clean carpet, hard floors, countertops, and windows
• Turn all overhead and other lights on; including bedside lamps
• Replace all missing or burned out light bulbs using bulbs of same temperature; all LED, all CFL(compact fluorescent), or all tungsten in same room
• All ceiling fans, tv’s, and computer screens OFF
• Open blinds and window treatments to let in natural light
• Remove personal photographs/replace with generic or landscape
• Make all beds perfectly
• Remove small rugs to reveal floors
• Place shoes and jackets in closets

Front Exterior and Backyard
• Remove cars from driveway
• Manicure landscape
• Remove hoses, trash cans and basketball goals

Kitchen
• Clear countertops, including knife blocks, toasters, and coffee maker; minimal decorations are ok.
• Clear refrigerator top and clear sides of photos and magnets
• Hide trash cans, remove dishes, sponges, and other items

Dining and Living Rooms
• Use decorative place settings and/or one center piece; such as, flowers
• Remove child booster seats
• Remove stacks of magazines and mail
• De-clutter fireplace mantel
• Fluff and arrange furniture pillows

Bedrooms
• Clear nightstands of personal items and charging cables
• Remove all clutter from dresser tops
• Remove family photos from walls
• Clean under beds, removing items that may show in the photographs

Bathrooms
• Clear countertops completely; including soap, toothbrushes, etc.
• Toilet lids down
• Close closet doors
• Remove everything from showers and bathtubs; including shower caddies
• Leave out only new, unused, neatly arranged towels
• Remove floor mats