Ready to Sell - Deep Clean.

Baths

• Bath tile should be cleaned with mildew cleaner.
• If the tub caulk is darkened, replace it. This comes in rolls, which can be easily installed.
• Wash or replace shower curtains.
• Make sure all soap residue is removed.

Kitchen

• Kitchen appliances must sparkle.
• Stove burner pans are easily replaced at Home Depot. Never wrap them in foil.
• Make sure the oven is clean.
• Touch up or repaint any scuffed door trim, baseboards and cabinets.
• Use a scratch cover, oil or wax to heighten the color of wood trim.
• "Howard's Restore-a-finish" works wonders on scratched cabinets. (Benjamin-Moore Paints)
• Do not leave trash containers on display.

Windows

• Have the windows cleaned. Clean windows add a sparkle to the room.
• During showings we want you to open blinds and expose as much glass as possible.
• Nothing sells a house better than natural light.
• If your lights are dim, increase the size of the bulbs.
• Combine indoor lamp lighting with natural light for warm, cheerful rooms.

Smells

• Nice smells are subtle but very important. Buyers are sensitive to bad smells, and will be suspicious of a house with an odor.
• Use potpourri, candles or cinnamon sticks in hot water.
• Do no use air fresheners to cover up bad smells - this just compounds the problem. Remove the source of the smell first.
• Often, people cannot recognize a smell in their own home. We are prepared to give you frank feedback on smells if you have pets, smoke, or cook with strong spices.
• Unfortunately, if pets have used your carpet as a bathroom, the only choice is to replace the carpet. Cleaning does not work. The smell is in the pad and sub floor.
• In the garage, chemicals that have a strong odor should be sealed in plastic bags or removed.

Floors

• Floors must be immaculate.
• If the flooring is worn out, consider replacing it.
• Do no offer an allowance for carpet. If you are going to pay for new carpet, do it prior to marketing and benefit from the improvement in presentation.
• New carpet will transform a house. Don't worry about whether the buyers will like it. Just choose a neutral shade.

Walls

• Walls usually need touch up, especially if there are children or pets in the house. This makes a big difference in your presentation.
• Leave some labeled paint cans for your buyers - they will appreciate it.
• Surfaces that cannot be cleaned can be painted.

Exterior

• You may need to wash the exterior of your house with mildew cleaner, like chlorine bleach.
• Often the shady areas have dark stains that will disappear with washing.
• Deck wood may need to be washed and sealed.
• Clean flower beds and add fresh mulch.