Even in the hottest of markets, making a good first impression when listing your home is of utmost importance. I tell all clients that the two most important things to do before listing is to declutter as much as possible and get your home as clean as it has ever been. Here is a list that I share with clients that goes over specifically what to clean and some other tips on presenting the home well to potential buyers. Of course I always go over to clients houses and give very specific advice as well, but this is a good starting point if you are considering listing your home!

EXTERIOR

Keep the grass freshly cut.
Trim all plants so that they are well-manicured and look well-maintained.
Use fresh mulch in garden beds and around trim. Not only does this look nice, it smells fresh as well!
Remove all yard clutter.
Touch up fences to make sure they look their best. This could include fresh paint, fresh stain, repairing holes or sagging portions, etc.
Make sure garden beds are weeded.
Clean windows, inside and out!
Make sure both front and back yard, and any porches, are free of cob-webs or
spiderwebs.
Wash home’s exterior, and use touch up paint where needed.
Tighten and clean all door handles.
Ensure gutters and downspouts are firmly attached.
Clean exterior light fixtures.
Clean front porch, including using touch-up paint where necessary.
Plant new flowers, and make sure they are looking their best.
If lawn furniture is out, make sure it is clean and well-staged.
Pick up toys or other outdoor items.
Power wash driveway, walkways and patios.
INTERIOR
Give your house the most thorough cleaning it has ever had. Every single surface should be sparkling clean!
Remove excessive wall hangings, furniture and knickknacks (consider a temporary self- storage unit, or, pack it up and put it in the garage, shed or store with a friend).
Remove all personal decorative items such as personal pictures, monogramed items, personal keepsakes, etc.
After removing personal pictures from the walls, patch and paint the hole left behind.
Store children’s belongings out of sight.
Store pet belongings out of sight.
Clean windows, inside and out.
Clean or paint walls and ceilings.
Shampoo carpets.
Clean and organize cabinets and closets.
Repair all plumbing leaks, including faucets and drain traps.
Clean all light fixtures.
Clean all mirrors.
Make sure bedding, fabric couches, pillows, etc. are clean and free of stains.
Touch up paint on anything that needs it!
Give the baseboards a good scrubbing, and/or some touch up paint.
In the bathrooms, remove as many toiletry items from the counters as possible.
Consider getting fresh, white bathmats, shower curtains and towels to be used during the time the home is on the market.
Iron or steam your bathroom shower curtain.
In the kitchen, remove as many items from the counter tops as possible.
Remove EVERYTHING from the outside of the refrigerator.
Clean all kitchen appliances, both inside and out.
Decorate with minimal décor. Good options include plants, flowers, and other non-
personal items. However, keep décor to a minimum!
Safely store valuables, such as jewelry, prescription medication, keepsakes and
important documents, in a well-hidden place.
FOR PHOTOS
Put garbage cans, recycling bins and hoses inside the garage.
Cars should be out of the driveway and parked away from the house.
Open all the blinds, shut windows, turn on ceiling lights, turn off TV and computer
monitors.
Bathroom counter tops should be clear of any objects. Put away all soap, shampoo,
bottles, toothbrushes, wastepaper baskets, and please clean bathroom mirrors and shut the toilet lid.
Bedrooms should be clutter free, hide wires, beds nicely made, and toys put away.
Kitchen counter tops should be mostly clear of objects. Remove all outside clutter from refrigerator like magnets and photos. Remove soap bottles, rags, dish rack, etc.
Pick up all pet beds, dishes, toys, wastepaper baskets, and kitchen garbage cans.
Remove family photos and put away personal objects and valuables. Remove any
standing coat racks from entry area. Pick up small area rugs around the house.
Yard and deck should be clutter free.
A vase of flowers will look great in any room, especially kitchen and bathrooms.
Most importantly, these things need to be completed before the photographer
arrives!!!
FOR SHOWINGS
Turn on all the lights.
Keep the home at an appropriate, comfortable temperature, based on the season.
Keep your bed clean and made every day.
Open drapes in the daytime.
Keep pets secured.
Play quiet background music.
Light the fireplace (if seasonally appropriate).
Infuse home with a comforting scent, like vanilla or fresh laundry. However, make sure it is subtle and fresh and absolutely not over-powering!
Keep hand soap, toilet paper and hand towels stocked in bathrooms.
Vacate the property while it is being shown.