PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR A SELL

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