• Lawn carefully mowed, edged, fertilized and watered.
• Trees and shrubs trimmed; flower beds edged, weeded and cultivated.
• Driveways and walks free of snow or grass clippings.
• Exterior house paint in good condition and clean, especially the front door.
• All door locks open properly and easily.
• Roof in good condition.
• Screens and screen doors repaired.
• All exterior lighting in working condition, with fresh bulbs.
• Absence of clutter in yard and driveway.

Interior

• Walls clean and unmarked, preferably freshly painted with neutral colors.
• Windows clean inside and out.
• All light fixtures working and fresh bulbs in each.
• Plumbing in good repair.
• No cooking, smoking, pet or other objectionable odors.
• Sinks and tubs stain-free; faucets in good repair.
• Caulking in tubs and showers in good repair.
• All clutter removed from closets, attic, basement, garage and other storage areas.
• Ask your REALTOR® what should be boxed up to give your home a more spacious look.

Showing Your Home

When your home is to be shown, I will always attempt to make an appointment with you, giving you as much advance notice as possible. To help make the best impression during showings, I suggest you:

• Open draperies and curtains.
• Turn on enough lights to brighten every corner, day and night.
• Remove dirty dishes.
• Make beds.
• Rooms dusted, vacuumed and clutter-free.
• Kitchens and baths sparkling clean; no clutter on counter-tops.
• Noise is distracting. Be sure TV and radios are turned off, although soft background music is acceptable.
• It's best to keep pets out of the house. Even the friendliest pets become anxious when strangers appear.
• Put away valuables such as jewelry and cash, or remove completely.
• Never enter into a conversation with a prospect. Let the REALTOR® who is showing your home answer any questions the prospective buyers may have. It is best for you to leave while the house is being shown.
• If a prospective buyer comes by unexpectedly without a broker, get their name and phone number. FOR YOUR OWN PROTECTION, DO NOT SHOW THE HOME. Have unescorted buyers call your REALTOR® for an appointment.