·         Shampoo carpeting, replace if necessary

·         Clean and wax hardwood floors, refinish if necessary

·         Clean and wash kitchen and bathroom floors

Wash all windows, vacuum blinds, wash window sills

·         Clean the fireplace

·         Clean out and organize closets, add extra space by packing clothes and items you

won’t need again until after you’ve moved

·         Remove extra furniture, worn rugs, and items you don’t use; keep papers, toys, etc. picked up--especially on stairways

·         Repair problems such as loose door knobs, cracked molding, leaking taps and toilets, squeaky doors, closets or screen doors which are off their tracks

·         Add dishes of potpourri, or drop of vanilla or bath oil on light bulbs for scent

·         Secure jewelry, cash and other valuables

The Living Room

·         Make it cozy and inviting, discard chipped or worn furniture and frayed or worn rugs

·         Open the drapes and or blinds to let in all possible light

The Dining Room

·         Polish any visible silver and crystal

·         Set the table for a formal dinner to help viewers imagine entertaining here

The Kitchen

·         Make sure appliances are spotless inside and out (try baking soda for cleaning Formica stains)

·         Make sure all appliances are in perfect working order

·         Clean often forgotten spots on top of refrigerator and under sink

·         Wax or sponge floor to brilliant shine, clean baseboards

·         Un-clutter all counter space, remove countertop appliances

·         Organize items inside cabinets, pre-pack anything you won’t be using before you move

The Bathrooms

·         Remove all rust and mildew

·         Make sure tile, fixtures, shower doors, etc. are immaculate and shining

·         Make sure all fixtures are in good repair

·         Replace loose caulking or grout

·         Make sure lighting is bright, but soft

The Master Bedroom

·         Organize furnishings to create a spacious look with well-defined sitting, sleeping, and dressing areas

·         Make the bed

·         Pick up all clothes

The Garage  Or The Basement (Storage Area)

·         Sell, give away, or throw out unnecessary items

·         Clean oily cement floor

·         Provide strong overhead light

·         Tidy storage or work areas

·         Sell, give away, or throw out unnecessary items

·         Organize and create more floor space by hanging tools and placing items on shelves

·         Clean water heater and drain sediment

·         Change furnace filter

·         Make inspection access easy

·         Clean and paint concrete floor and walls

·         Provide strong overhead light

The Attic

·         Tidy up by discarding or pre-packing

·         Make sure energy-saving insulation is apparent

·         Make sure air vent is in working order

·         Provide strong overhead lighting

When It’s Time To Show

·         Make sure your property profile folder, utility bills, MLS profile, house location survey, etc. are available

·         Open all draperies and shades, turn on all lights

·         Pick up toys and other clutter, check to make sure beds are made and clothes are put away

·         Give the carpets a quick vacuuming

·         Add some strategically placed fresh flowers

·         Open bathroom windows for fresh air

·         Pop a spicy dessert or just a pan of cinnamon in the oven for aroma

·         Turn off the television and turn on the radio music at a low volume

·         Make a fire in the fireplace if appropriate

·         Put pets in the backyard or arrange for a friend to keep them

·         Make sure pet areas are clean and odor-free

·         Make sure all trash is disposed of in neatly covered bins