Spruce It Up!

Posted by Becky on 14 May 2008 | Tagged as: Trish Belford, real estate, tips

Often the smallest defect can be a turn-off to some potential buyers.  Use this handy checklist to assess what needs cleaning, mending or changing before the day of your open house:

Floor Coverings (includes carpeting, tile, linoleum, hardwood, etc.)

  • Dirty or stained?
  • Worn or damaged?
  • Is there hardwood under carpeting that can be restored?
  • Walls, ceilings, baseboards?
  • Any fingerprints or stains?
  • Any holes, nails, tape residue?
  • Are they all neutral or complimentary colours?

Doors

  • Do they squeak?
  • Are the handles secure and work properly?
  • Any stains or other damage?

Lighting

  • Is there sufficient light?
  • Any broken switches, exposed wiring?

Pet Areas

  • Are these clean, organized and odour free?

Kitchen and Bathrooms

  • Are counter tops organized?
  • All sinks and faucets working properly?

Other Rooms

  • Have all areas been thoroughly vacuumed and dusted?
  • Has all clutter, including excess furniture, been collected and removed?
  • Are books, toys, clothes all neatly stored?
  • Do mirrors look clean?
  • Are window coverings open?

Outside the home

  • Are the exterior surfaces, including decks, pools, walkways and driveways clean, clear of clutter and in good condition?
  • Do fence and other gates open easily?
  • Are the lawns mowed, walkways clear of snow, leaves removed, trees pruned, garden weeded, hedges trimmed?

Source:  Real Estate Today May 9, 2008 Volume 13, Number 18.

Trackback This Post | Subscribe to the comments through RSS Feed

Leave a Reply