Best Foot Forward?

Here's a cleaning checklist

Sometimes we need a little help to be prepared for different aspects of selling a home. On this page you will find various resources to help you get ideas about what it takes to be ready for photographs.

Getting Started On Interiors

Clear & Clean Kitchen Counters & Sink

Who doesn’t like counter space in a kitchen? Clear and clean the counters so buyers can imagine how they might use the space. Coffee makers, mixers, and decorations only distract buyers, and often make the kitchen feel cluttered. Be sure and get all the photos off the fridge. Buyers need to be able to see themselves in the space.

Clear & Clean Bathroom Sinks, Tubs, and Showers

Place all personal items like shampoo, conditioners, shavers and other items into a container that can fit underneath the bathroom sink out of sight. Clear bathroom counters just like you did the kitchen counters. Open space is a good thing. Clean, neatly folded towels on towel racks are fine.

Replace Burned Out Light Bulbs and Turn Lights On.

Lights are good in a home. Dark spaces are not appealing. Make sure all lightbulbs work and if possible have the same color temperature to make the room look appealing. Make sure all lights are turned on in the house.

Open All Window Treatments

Most of the time it is a good idea to let the sunshine in a room. The photographer will be glad to shut the window treatments if it is needed.

Remove Unnecessary Furniture & Decorations

You love your grandmother’s rocker in the last little space in corner of of the room. That is fine if your not wanting to sell your home. Most people want rooms that feel spacious and uncluttered. With this in mind you need to declutter as much as possible if you really want to get top dollar your home. Can this be difficult? Yes. It is an important thing to do. Opening up floor space makes the house feel comfortable and larger. In this case less is always more.

Remove Floor Mats and Runners

Small rugs and mats used for comfort should be stored away. They hide the beauty of the floor and make the room feel smaller. If you have any questions you can ask the realtor and he will give you a recommendation.

Turn All Ceiling Fans, TVs, and Computer Screens Off

All ceiling fans and TV’s should be turned off.

Make All of the Beds

The bedrooms are no different than any other space. It needs to be uncluttered and neat. The furniture needs to be dusted and clean.

Remove All Personal Photos and Items

It's hard for buyers to visualize themselves in your house if your personal items are everywhere. Since you want your buyers to focus on the house and not on you, you'll need to remove all personal photos and items from the entire house; including patios, porches, and garages. It is also important to put away any jewelry or items that may be targeted by people.

Clear All Nightstands and Dressers

Cleared, clean, and neat wins the day with any so called “counter space.” Nightstands are no different. This is also an important place to minimize personal items as much as possible.

Remove ALL Pet Items

It is very important that your house shows no signs of pets. Your favorite feline or canine can contribute to price on your home being lowered. Just because it’s your best friend that doesn’t mean it’s a prospective buyer's best friend. Check for smells and other signs that you have ignored. Clean is best.

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Check out this example of a quick advertisement of this property.