Making a Great First Impression - The Basement/Laundry

Making a Great First Impression - Page 7

Page 7 of 7

The Basement / Laundry Here is where all the clutter seems to grow on its own! This is a good time to get rid of all that stuff you've been meaning to throw away, donate, sell, or even return. As for the rest, make sure your stuff is neatly stacked or hung up. People don't expect too much from the basement, only that it is dry.

Ventilate. There must be no smell of damp or must
Make sure all of the basement is brightly lit
Clean the furnace, humidifier, hot water heater and circuit break box
Change any filters
Cover water heater with insulated jacket
All light switches work
Pull chain lights have chains, and are easy to reach
Arrange basement contents so its easy to walk around
Handrail on basement stairs is secure
Arrange for an exterminator, if necessary
Clean and deodorize any pet areas
Fix any water leakage and repair damage
Electrical system is up-to-date and fuse box is not overloaded
Clean laundry appliances
Appliances are in working order
Keep dirty clothes out of sight
Floor and walls around washer and dryer are clean
Laundry area is brightly lit
All pipes and connections are in working order
Vacuum, sweep and dust basement

The Basement / Laundry - Lasting Impressions

Unfinished basement has freshly painted walls
Colorful area rugs in basement and in laundry area
Plants, even artificial greenery, in laundry area
Laundry has a "drying rack"

Buyers are on the Way!
If you can't vacate the house while your agent is showing it, stay unobtrusively in the background or better yet, out of sight. Your presence may make the buyer uncomfortable and keep them from making honest comments about the house. If possible, make arrangements for pets to be completely out of the house during showings too. Your dog may not like strangers in the house and not all buyers are pet friendly either. You don't want nervous buyers rushing through the house because your pet makes them uncomfortable.

The Last Minute Checklist:

Clear away any litter from in front of your house
Make sure all outside bikes, toys and gardening implements are in their proper places
Remove any pet debris
Garage is empty of vehicles and garage door is shut
(Winter) Snow and ice removed from sidewalks
Trash cans are not causing the garage to smell
Garage floor is swept
All lights are on in each room and in the basement
Start a fire in the fireplace, only if someone is home
No lingering odors in the house
Start coffee brewing in the kitchen
Turn on soft music in the living room
There is an unobstructed path through the house
Open all interior doors
Open the curtains and roll-up any blinds
The house is at a comfortable temperature
Vacuum and dust, if there is time
Close TV cabinet doors in the living room
Remove any glasses and plates of food from rooms
Put away any clutter in hallways, or on staircases
Remove any dead flowers from floral arrangements
If china buffet has interior lights, turn them on
Make sure kitchen appliances are spotless
Take out any kitchen garbage
Check that the pet "eating area" is clean
Clear the counter tops
Put out new dish towels and tea towels and place mats on the kitchen table
Clear all dirty dishes into the dishwasher
Personal items are hidden from view in the bathrooms
Put out new bathroom towels
Tubs and sinks are clean
Shower curtains are pulled back
Toilet seats are down
Beds are made
Clothing is put away
Personal items are put away off the bedroom dressers
Toys are picked up in children's bedrooms
Turn off any televisions
Turn off any radios
Turn off dishwasher
Turn off washing machine and / or dryer
All "Lasting Impressions" are in place
Don't forget the pets
Don't forget the children

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