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