Making a Great First Impression

Page 5 of 7

The Dining Room

The seller's goal is to create an atmosphere so inviting that the buyers are already thinking of where to place their furniture.

The Dining Room - Lasting Impressions

An elegantly set table for four - with china, crystal and silverware
A low centerpiece of either silk flowers or candles
A lace or embroidered runner on a side table
A side table arranged with a tea set, cups and saucers, and a couple of ceramic bowls of fruit
The interior light on in the china buffet
A grouping of pretty painted dishes on the wall
The overhead chandelier on a dimmer switch
A small decorator lamp for accent lighting
A large, framed mirror across one wall to add a sense of depth
A dramatic curtain swag across the tops of windows (and sliding door)
Potted palm trees and hanging ferns drawing your eye away from bare corners
A large accent rug on the floor in the center of the room
The use of chair rail molding, wallpaper and/or wallpaper border within the room

The Kitchen

The kitchen must be spotlessly clean and bright. Real Estate agents say many buyers judge overall housekeeping by how clean the oven and range are.

Clear off counter tops of practically everything
Buyers don't want to see a clutter of small appliances, gadgets, mixing bowls, etc.
Clean refrigerator, stove and microwave
Clean vents and exhaust hoods
Check lights and timers on appliances
Wipe down surface of cupboards and drawers
If cupboards are old, consider giving them a fresh coat of paint, new handles and perhaps some interesting molding on the outside of the doors
Cupboard doors close tightly
Replace any broken handles
Drawers open and shut without sticking
Silverware and cooking utensils drawers are organized
Was the inside of the refrigerator
Add a box of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb odors
Kitchen sink is spotless
Use grout cleaner around sink and re caulk if necessary
Repair / replace chips in counter tops
Clean any stains on counter top
Scrub the cupboard under the kitchen sink
Organize cleaning items into either a pail or on a special cleaning rack
Repair any leaky faucets or under-the-sink pipes
Wash and wax floor. Remove old wax build-up
If linoleum is worn, replace or cover with an area rug
Clean curtains and window blinds and keep them left open to let the sunlight shine through
Clean ceiling fans
Clean light fixtures
Organize pantry with boxes, cans and jars placed neatly on the shelves
Get rid of any unhealthy plants
Clean pet's "dining area"
Kitchen is well lit
Dust the furniture
Vacuum rugs and sweep the floor

The Kitchen - Lasting Impressions

Colored glass bottles in the window
A counter top arrangement of an open cookbook, a cheery bowl of fruit and a vase of garden flowers
The overhead light on a dimmer switch
The table set with bright place mats and napkins

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