Before You Begin Showing Your Home

Exterior

Repaint siding
Repaint or touch up trim
Repair or repaint gutters and downspouts
Repair or repaint fences
Seal driveway
Remove oil stains from garage floor
Wash all windows
Remove all screens (windows look cleaner)
Trim trees, hedges, shrubs
Weed and feed the lawn
Remove all clutter (garden tools, toys, etc)

Entryway

Check working order of doorbell and exterior light
Replace welcome mat
Repair and repaint storm door and or front door
Clear interior entry of all clutter
Clear and clean out front closet

Living/Dining/Family/Bedrooms

Repaint or touch up walls and ceilings
Repair or replace old molding
Shampoo carpet and/or wash and wax floors
Remove excess or unattractive furniture
Clean curtains, shutters, blinds, etc.
Clean fireplace, mantle, shelving
Replace old bedspreads

Kitchen/Baths

Repair or replace faucets and fixtures
Repaint or re-paper walls
Thoroughly clean range/oven, refrigerator and other appliances
Clear out and clean cabinets, drawers, and medicine chests
Remove clutter from countertops
Clean or replace curtains
Grout tubs and showers
Replace old toilet seats and shower curtains

General

Replace burned out light bulbs
Clear cobwebs from corners and doorways
Wash light switches, hand-rails, and doorknobs
Clear and clean all closets
Add "Welcoming" touches; potted plants, dried flowers, etc.

Before Every Showing or Open House

Exterior
Pick up tools and toys
Put garbage cans in garage
Close garage door
Park cars on street or around corner
Clean the exterior of your house - rent a gas powered pressure washer
Interior
Clear off all counters and table tops
Turn on all lights
Open shades and curtains
Put soft music on stereo
Give the house a pleasant aroma - fresh bread, fire in fireplace, etc.
Set dining room table
Make all beds
Set thermostat at comfortable temperature
Ask your agent to take a walk through your house and offer suggestions on how to make it show better. There's simply no better source of ideas for making a house more marketable.

House and Community Information
(display in entranceway or another prominent place)

Paid utility bills
Current property tax receipts
Real estate listing sheet
Floor plan
List of upgrades you've put into the house
Map and/or list of community features and points of interest
Warranty information on appliances