Making a Great First Impression

Making a Great First Impression - Page 6

Page 6 of 7

The Bathrooms
Bathrooms are very important to most homeowners. You want your bathroom looking just right for potentional buyers.

Remove any personal items (shampoo, medicine, cosmetics, hair blowers, etc.)
Clean all glass and mirrors
Remove any mildew
Re-caulk if necessary
Repair grouting if necessary
Remove rust stains from toilet, sink, tub and shower
Repair any chipped porcelain
Scour the bathtub and shower
Wash shower curtains
Replace any discolored shower curtain or shower doorbell
Clean soap build-up from shower door
Shower door is easy to open and shuts tightly
Clean and wax the floor. Remove any wax build-up
Replace any stained, cracked or loose tiles
Tighten loose toilet
Replace old toilet seat
Toilet flushes properly
Wash toilet seat cover and bath mats
Toilet freshener in toilet
Clean vanity, sink, and polish all faucets
Soap and soap dish are clean
Repair dripping faucets
Area under sink is organized
Pipes under sink are clean and not leaking
Linen closet is organized
Use shelf paper as liners in drawers which are stained, or on linen closet shelves
Clean the lighting fixtures
Launder the curtains
Arrange the towels neatly on towel racks
Laundry basket is out-of-sight
Vacuum / Sweep floor

The Bathrooms - Lasting Impressions

Thick new towels in vibrant colors (bring out when buyers are coming)
Toilet seat cover and bath mat co-ordinate with towels
Colorful guest towels laid out on the vanity
A collection of scented (but unlit) candles
A glass bowl of potpourri
A mirrored tray with a collection of fancy perfume bottles
An antique water pitcher filled with dried, silk, or fresh flowers
Towel racks, which match bathroom fixtures

The Bedrooms
Dirty carpet can be cleaned but worn out or dated carpet needs to be replaced. Shag carpet or a carpet color so unusual won't help sell a house. People look more favorably on a house that has carpets they don't have to replace right away. You don't have to buy the best carpet available but do buy a grade in a neutral color that will suit most people. You will get your money back on this one.

Professionally clean or replace carpeting
Polish hardwood flooring
Clean the curtains
Remove excess furniture to create a feeling of space
Clear personal items from the dresser
Valuables are hidden from view
Sliding closet doors open easily and are not obstructed
Closet doors open and close tightly
Organize closets and keep only what is totally necessary. Box and label the rest for moving
Keep shoes on a shoe rack in closet
Use closet organizers
Make the beds
Hang-up and put away clothes
Dry clean comforters and bedspreads
Clean light fixtures
Use tri-light bulbs in table lamps
Clean ceiling fan
Dust furniture
Vacuum the carpet / rugs and sweep the floor
Use boxes under the bed for hidden storage

The Bedrooms - Lasting Impressions

Pretty sheets, matching comforter and a cloud of pillows on the bed
Window treatment coordinated with comforter and bed linen
Small, colorful scatter rugs
A "thinking corner" with a comfortable chair, little table with a lamp, a plate of cookies and a magazine
A ceiling fan above the bed
A mirror on the wall, reflecting the view from the window
A night table with a table runner, a framed photo, a reading lamp, a book and a single flower in a vase
A writing desk by the window