This sets the stage for what is to come.

In The Winter:

• Shovel the driveway and sidewalks, and if there is too much snow have it hauled away
• Remove any ice
• Clear the roof of snow

In The Spring/Summer:

• Maintain grass cutting and edge where needed
• Weed the lawn and gardens
• Plant flowers to enhance curb appeal
• Trim any trees and hedges
• Clean the eaves troughs and have the downspouts in place
• Paint the fence, window trims, garage doors, fascia and doors
• Wash siding and paint
• Clean the windows
• Clean the yard of animal droppings
• Add yard lighting
• Clean the street in front of your house

Have a nice bold house number

Now that we have them in, let's keep their interest.

Entry:

• Make the front entry inviting
• Remove footwear with odor
• Remove excess footwear and storage that is not being used
• Clean the closets
• Lay out a mat

Kitchen and Dining Area:

• Clean out cabinets and organize them
• Paint cupboards if they require it
• Fix any broken cupboard doors
• Replace the countertop if it is in bad shape
• Clean the sink for every showing
• Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink and be aware that people do check dishwashers
• Clean appliances and remove items from the front of your fridge as it may be distracting to potential buyers
• Clean light fixtures
• China cabinets and their contents may not stay so we suggest removing most items and packing them up
• Windows, ledges, screens and doors need to be cleaned
• Remove extra appliances on the counter
• Remove items from above the kitchen cabinets
• Empty the garbage

Living Room

• If you have a lot of furniture removing some can pay off big time
• Clean lamps
• Do a wipe down
• Arrange furniture so it opens up the room
• Remove any personal items; books, magazines, etc.
• Windows, screens and ledges need to be washed
• Clean the drapes and blinds

Bathroom

• Put the toilet seat down
• Clean the shower, sink and toilet
• Make sure the vanity is organized and clean
• Empty the garbage
• Wipe the mirror
• Clean the walls around the toilet
• Replace the shower curtain

Garage

• Do not move items from the house into the garage, but if you do make sure it is neat and in order
• Remove all garbage
• Clean the floors
• Organize tools
• Paint the walls if they are in rough shape

Additional Tips And Tricks:

• Put on the buyers' shoes and take a walk through your home to see if there are any items that you think might distract a potential buyer from making an offer on your house
• Depersonalize your home, this will allow a buyer to picture their possessions in your space
• Animal and kid items should be tucked away in case potential buyers do not have animals or kids, these items may distract them from feeling comfortable in your space
• Dust and vacuum
• Turn the lights on
• Open the blinds
• Play soft music
• Scented items are okay as long as they are not overpowering; scents such as fresh cookies on the counter or the smell of the house being freshly cleaned can leave a lasting impression
• Have goodies out for buyers to snack on, in many cases they look over lunch or supper and come on an empty stomach so these snacks can make a big impact
• Write a personal letter that can be left on the counter, this can go over things like when garbage pickup is, recycling pickup, bus schedules and stops, etc.