Before you can show people around
your house it must be cleaned thoroughly,
all repairs done and if necessary you will
have to spend some money on redoing decorating,
paint etc.. Print off this checklist and
go through your house ticking the boxes
as you finish them. Once done you are ready
to start showing people around. Good luck
Exterior
It is really important when you are selling
your property that the outside of the house
looks good. This will be the first thing a
potential buyer will see.
If the out side is a mess and
looks like it is need of repairs it will give
them a negative attitude toward the house.
You have to make them want to come and look
at your home and if they see how good the
exterior is they can only presume that the
interior is just as good. You could hire a
gardener to do it for you or you could it
yourself, either make sure it is kept clean
and well trimmed. AND don`t over do the ornament.
Garden
Sweep driveway and Paths
Mow lawn and tidy boarders
Hedges trimmed, trees pruned
Put up hanging baskets
Make sure there is no litter in the garden
Clean out your pond if you have one
Clear away all children's playthings bikes, toys
etc..
Make sure there is no dogs dirt on the lawn
Garage
Store any tools, appliances in units or in
boxes
Make sure the floor is thoroughly swept and
clutter free
Ensure garage is well lit
Roof Buyers will pay close attention to the
condition of your roof. Re-patch or where
necessary, and fix leaky, corroded drains
and gutters. Inside, a watermarked ceiling
is a sign to buyers that the roof has leaked
even if the damage has been repaired.
Interior
Entrance
A neat and clean entryway creates a positive
first impression. Replace faded house numbers
with new ones. Make sure the doorbell is working
properly.
Clean the front door inside and out and if
needed give it a coat of paint
Cobwebs cleared
Touch up paint work (if tarnished or chipped)
Ensure hall is well lit
Remove shoes, bags and keep coats tucked out
of sight
Living/dining room
Make your living room look spacious by decluttering
it and keeping everything organized and neat.
Don`t cover all wall space with furniture
pull the furniture away from the walls this
will make the room seem bigger. If something
doesn`t belong in there get it out. If you
decorate this room keep the colors light
and soft this will also make the room appear
bigger.
Pull back curtains
Turn TV and stereo off
No clutter
Fresh flowers
Open a window to air the room
Newspapers and magazines put away neatly
Fireplace clean/ashes removed. Clean out the
chimney.
Kitchen
As every one knows the kitchen is the room
that everyone is interested in. The kitchen
should have plenty of space, storage and plenty
of worktops. If you haven`t got much storage
space have some wall units put in. Change
door handles to make them look newer you could
also paint units to give them a modern look.
Keep a window open to get rid of cooking smells
Clean dishes and put them away so that they
are out of sight
Make sure worktops are clean and clutter free
Cooker cleaned properly (if you are leaving
the cooker behind ensure you clean it inside
as well
Clear pet bowls and baskets
Mop floor - gives a nice fresh smell
Make sure your appliances are sparkling
Bathroom
Make sure the bathtub and shower
are spotless
Remove mildew stains from tiles and grouting
Clean shower curtain thoroughly
Tidy the laundry area and put clean fresh
towels on display. Put some potpourri in a
dish to give it a nice smell
Bedrooms
Make the beds
Put all clothing in drawers/wardrobes
If you have walk in wardrobes clear them out.
Not only will they look tidier but they will
look a lot bigger
Open windows
Repairs & touches If walls are cracked, the paint work is
yellow and the wallpaper is dated it will
put potential buyers off. Go around your house
and check that there is no damages if they
are have them repaired.
Walls
Skirting boards clean and dusted
Cover nail holes
Cracks, chips and leaks repaired
Repair any damages to walls
Painting touched up or redone
Wallpaper walls where needing done. Don`t
decorate the whole house unless needed
If there are only parts of the walls that
are damaged and you can`t afford to have them
repaired cover them with a nice picture, mirror
or a piece of furniture.
Doors
& Windows
Make sure that all the windows open and close
easily
Check that doors don`t need oiling and that
they shut and open easily
Check that door knobs, handles and latches
aren`t loose
Repair any cracks in glass
Have all the windows cleaned
Make sure your door bell is working properly
and replace door numbers if they are looking
a bit tatty
Make sure the window frames aren`t damaged
If you can afford it replace your old windows
with double glazing.
Flooring
Vacuum thoroughly
Are carpets clean and in good condition? If
not have them steam cleaned
If you have wooden floors, sweep thoroughly
and make sure there are no stains or scratches
showing
Mop the kitchen/bathroom floors until they
are gleaming. Make sure they are dry before
you show anyone about
If there are stains on the carpets or if they
have faded cover them with furniture or decorative
rugs. Do the same with wooden floors if they
are scratched or you could give them a varnish.
Lighting
& Plumbing
Have any overhead lighting fixed if not working
Put in new lamp shades or chandeliers. You
can always take them with you when you move
All wiring should be covered
Make sure you have high watt bulbs in dark
rooms
All sockets are in working order and that
they turn on and off easily
Toilet in good working order
Have any leaks fixed immediately