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I know that selling your home can be overwhelming. That's why I've created a fully-comprehensive list of tasks that can help you make your home look its best for potential buyers. This list includes everything from the front yard to the garage, with tips on how to make your home sparkle and shine.

 

As your realtor, I don't expect you to do everything on this list!

 

Part of my job is to visit your home and highlight which items are most important to complete.

 

A clean and well-cared-for home gives confidence to potential buyers, strongly suggesting that if the sellers cared for the aesthetic aspects of the property so well, they likely took just as much care with the functional 'guts' of the home.

 

Set up a pre-listing appointment, and let me help you get top dollar for your home.

I look forward to sharing all the other benefits I offer as a Realtor who goes above and beyond for my clients!

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Preparing your Home for Market - and photos! 

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FRONT YARD: The front of the house is the first thing potential buyers will see, so it's important to make a good impression. By following these tips and creating a comprehensive checklist, you'll be well on your way to getting your home market-ready.

 

Priority #1

  • Sweep or blow away any leaves or debris from the driveway, sidewalks, and porch

  • Clear the front porch of excess items; tools, hardware, undecorative chairs, etc.

  • Remove any cobwebs or dirt from the eaves and gutters

  • Remove any dead plants or flowers from the front yard or flower beds

  • Clean exterior light fixtures of bugs, and wash glass

  • Clean the windows and make sure they're free of streaks or smudges

  • Make sure the doorbell and outdoor lights are in working order

  • Update hardware, such as house numbers, door handles, or faucets

  • Check the mailbox and make sure it's in good condition

  • Stage the front porch with a wreath, flower pots, and a brand-new welcome mat

 

Priority #2

  • Trim any overgrown bushes or trees to improve visibility

  • Mow the lawn and remove any weeds

  • Power wash the driveway and sidewalks to remove any dirt or stains

  • Wrap the hose tightly and hide it from plain view

 

Priority #3

  • Repair any cracks or damage to the driveway or sidewalk.

  • Sand down, prime, and repaint any exposed wood on the house or fencing

  • Touch up paint, remove entirely, or repair if blemished, storm doors and screen doors

  • Update, paint, or touch up any decorative home details, like trim, or a fresh color on the front door

 

ON PHOTOSHOOT DAY, OPEN HOUSE DAYS, and preferably before every home showing.

  • Ensure that no vehicles are in the driveway or on the street in front of the home

  • Remove trash or recycling bins

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BACK YARD: When preparing your home for real estate photography, don't forget about the backyard! The outdoor space can be a major selling point for a home, so it's important to make sure it looks its best.

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Priority #1

  • Sweep or blow away any leaves or debris from the patio or deck

  • Clean any windows and make sure they're free of streaks or smudges

  • Clean exterior light fixtures of bugs, and wash glass

  • Remove any cobwebs or dirt from the eaves and gutters

  • Make sure the outdoor lights are in working order

  • Check the back door and make sure it's in good condition

  • Storm doors and screen doors: touch up paint, remove entirely, or repair

  • Put all equipment, toys, and hardware away

  • Remove any dead plants or flowers from the backyard or flower beds

  • Complete minor landscaping improvements

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Priority #2

  • Mow the lawn

  • Power wash the patio or deck to remove any dirt or stains

  • Wrap the hose tightly and hide it from plain view

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Priority #3

  • Repair any damage to the patio, deck, or fence

  • Freshly paint any gates or fences

  • Trim any overgrown bushes or trees to improve visibility

  • Sand down, prime, and repaint any exposed wood on the house or fencing

  • Update, paint, or touch up any decorative home details: house numbers, trim, etc.

  • Add flowers

 

Got PETS?

  • Remove them from the home - or crate them in the garage - weather permitting

  • Remove pet-related equipment, toys, and yard waste

 

ON PHOTOSHOOT DAY, OPEN HOUSE DAYS, and preferably before every home showing.

  • Turn any water features or fire pits on (remember to shut them off after the event/photo shoot!)

  • Preferably before every home showing - pending season/weather/wind.

  • Stage any patio furniture or sitting areas (umbrellas open, cushions straight, etc.)

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KITCHEN: The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, so it's no surprise that it's one of the most important areas to focus on when preparing your home for real estate photography.

 

Priority #1

  • Clear (and clean) all surfaces of clutter, and extra appliances (even the top of the fridge!)

  • Remove any personal items, such as mail or paperwork, from the kitchen

  • Remove any trace of food that isn't in a decorative canister or jar - organize (or hide) everything you can

  • Put away any dishes or utensils in the dishwasher or cabinets

  • Remove all magnets and photos from the refrigerator, and take down calendars, and art, from the walls

  • Polish stainless steel appliances to remove any fingerprints or smudges

  • Ensure that any appliances are plugged in and functioning properly e.g. garbage disposal, microwave)

  • Tightly wrap and bind / or hide any cords or wires for appliances that are on display

  • Replace any burnt-out light bulbs - don't forget undercabinet lighting if you have any; people love it!

  • Clean the stove, oven, and range hood, both inside and out

  • Remove any burnt-on food or stains from the stovetop

  • Open the curtains or blinds to let natural light in

  • Remove any trash cans

  • Wipe down the baseboards and floorboards

  • Sweep or vacuum the floor

  • Mop the floor and make it shine

  • Clean the faucets and sink basin; wipe away dry water spots

  • Add a decorative tea towel or a small kitchen rug

  • Place a decorative bowl of fresh fruit or a vase of flowers on the counter to match accent colors

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Priority #2

  • Empty and clean all cabinets and drawers, and organize contents neatly

  • Make sure all cabinet and drawer handles are securely tightened

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Priority #3

  • Remodel / partial or full-update

 

Got PETS?

  • Remove any evidence of pets (food bowls, food mats, toys, litter boxes, etc.)

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ON PHOTOSHOOT DAY, OPEN HOUSE DAYS, and preferably before every home showing.

  • Make sure it is in PRISTINE condition

  • Take out the trash

  • Repeat any steps that need redoing since the photoshoot

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LIVING ROOM: The living room is often the centerpiece of a home, and the first thing potential buyers will see when they view your property.

 

Priority #1

  • Clear out any clutter or unnecessary items

  • Declutter and organize any bookshelves or entertainment centers

  • Remove personal photos or items, such as trophies or family heirlooms

  • Dust and clean all surfaces, including coffee tables, end tables, and shelves

  • Ensure that any electronics, such as TVs or sound systems, are clean and organized

  • If you have a rug, make sure it's clean and positioned correctly

  • Remove any excess remote controls, cables, or cords from view

  • Fluff and arrange decorative pillows and throws

  • Replace any burnt-out bulbs

  • Open curtains or blinds to let in natural light

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Priority #2

  • Rearrange furniture to create a more open and inviting space

  • Create a cozy atmosphere by adding throw blankets and fluffy pillows

  • Ensure that any artwork is hung straight and at an appropriate height

  • If needed, add lighting to dark corners or areas

  • Make sure the flooring is clean and free of debris or stains

  • > Get it professionally cleaned if necessary

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Priority #3

  • Remove/replace any excess furniture to create a spacious and uncluttered feel

  • Ensure that any decorative vases or sculptures are clean and polished

  • Make sure that any curtains or blinds are in good condition and clean - remove if necessary

  • Consider adding a focal point to the room, such as a piece of artwork or mirror

  • If applicable, turn on the fireplace or light candles to add warmth to the room

  • Consider adding fresh flowers or plants to add color and life to the room

 

Got PETS?

  • Remove any evidence of pets (food bowls, food mats, toys, litter boxes, etc.)

  • Remove any pet hair or stains from furniture and flooring

 

ON PHOTOSHOOT DAY, OPEN HOUSE DAYS, and preferably before every home showing.

  • If applicable, turn on the fireplace or light candles to add warmth to the room

  • Consider adding fresh flowers or plants to add color and life to the room

  • Open curtains or blinds to let in natural light

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BEDROOMS: Creating a relaxing and inviting atmosphere in the bedroom can help potential buyers see themselves living in the space.

 

Priority #1

  • Make the bed with clean and crisp linens; fluff and arrange pillows and throw blankets on the bed

  • Remove any personal items or clutter from surfaces such as nightstands and dressers

  • Clean and polish all surfaces, including mirrors, windows, and furniture

  • Ensure that any electronics or cords are hidden from view

  • Dust all surfaces, including blinds, lamps, and picture frames

  • Hang clean and wrinkle-free curtains or drapes

  • Vacuum or sweep the floors and baseboards

  • Open curtains or blinds to let natural light in

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Priority #2

  • Remove any visible stains or marks on the walls and touch up paint if necessary

  • Replace any burned-out light bulbs and ensure all light fixtures are working properly

  • Make sure that all doors and drawers open and close easily

  • Organize and declutter any closets, shelving, or storage units

  • Remove any unflattering or distracting wall decor

  • Clean out and organize any closets or cabinets with doors buyers may open

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Priority #3

  • Remove any bulky or unattractive furniture pieces from the room

  • Ensure that any scuffs or scratches on the flooring are covered or repaired

  • Add decorative accents, such as candles or decorative trays, to add interest to surfaces

  • Create a cozy reading nook with a comfortable chair and a small table

  • Place a few books or magazines on the nightstand to create a cozy and inviting feel

  • Add a stylish area rug to the room to tie the decor together

  • Add fresh flowers or a vase of greenery to the room

 

Got PETS?

  • Remove any pet-related items or evidence of pets from the room

  • Remove any pet hair or stains from furniture and flooring

​

ON PHOTOSHOOT DAY, OPEN HOUSE DAYS, and preferably before every home showing.

  • If applicable, turn on the fireplace or light candles to add warmth to the room

  • Consider adding fresh flowers or plants to add color and life to the room

  • Open curtains or blinds to let in natural light

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BATHROOMS: The bathrooms in your home should be clean and sparkling when it comes time to take photos for your property listing. Buyers expect bathrooms to be pristine, so it's important to pay extra attention to the details.

 

Priority #1

  • The bathrooms in your home should be clean and sparkling when it comes time to take photos for your property listing. Buyers expect bathrooms to be pristine, so it's important to pay extra attention to the details

  • Make the bed with clean and crisp linens; fluff and arrange pillows and throw blankets on the bed

  • Remove any personal items or clutter from surfaces such as nightstands and dressers

  • Clean and polish all surfaces, including mirrors, windows, and furniture

  • Ensure that any electronics or cords are hidden from view

  • Dust all surfaces, including blinds, lamps, and picture frames

  • Hang clean and wrinkle-free curtains or drapes

  • Vacuum or sweep the floors and baseboards

  • Open curtains or blinds to let natural light in

​

Priority #2

  • Remove any visible stains or marks on the walls and touch up paint if necessary

  • Replace any burned-out light bulbs and ensure all light fixtures are working properly

  • Make sure that all doors and drawers open and close easily

  • Organize and declutter any closets, shelving, or storage units

  • Remove any unflattering or distracting wall decor

  • Clean out and organize any closets or cabinets with doors buyers may open

​

Priority #3

  • Remove any bulky or unattractive furniture pieces from the room

  • Ensure that any scuffs or scratches on the flooring are covered or repaired

  • Add decorative accents, such as candles or decorative trays, to add interest to surfaces

  • Create a cozy reading nook with a comfortable chair and a small table

  • Place a few books or magazines on the nightstand to create a cozy and inviting feel

  • Add a stylish area rug to the room to tie the decor together

  • Add fresh flowers or a vase of greenery to the room

​

Got PETS?

  • Remove any pet-related items or evidence of pets from the room

  • Remove any pet hair or stains from furniture and flooring

 

ON PHOTOSHOOT DAY, OPEN HOUSE DAYS, and preferably before every home showing.

  • Empty the trash and recycling bins, and make sure they are out of sight

  • Make sure the toilet seat is down for photography and showings

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GARAGE: The garage may be a place to store tools, equipment, and vehicles, but it's important not to overlook it when preparing your home for a photoshoot. A clean, organized, and well-lit garage can go a long way in showcasing your home's potential storage space.

 

Priority #1

  • Sweep or power wash the floor to remove any dirt or debris

  • Replace any burnt-out light bulbs and ensure there is adequate lighting in the garage

  • Check for any signs of pests, such as rodents or insects, and address the issue

  • Dust off any cobwebs or dirt from the ceiling, walls, and corners of the garage

  • Make sure the garage door opens and closes smoothly without any squeaking

  • Make sure the garage door opener is working correctly and is free of dirt or grime

  • Remove any clutter or items that are not needed for storage

 

Priority #2

  • Organize tools, gardening equipment, and sports gear neatly on shelves

  • Make sure any vehicles parked in the garage are clean and free of clutter

  • Ensure that any electrical outlets or switches are functioning correctly

  • Make sure all garage windows are clean and free of debris

  • Store any hazardous materials, such as paint or chemicals safely out of sight

  • Remove any oil stains from the floor using a degreaser or other cleaning solution

 

Priority #3

  • Install pegboards or hooks to hang tools or sports gear to keep them organized

  • If the garage doubles as a workshop, clean and organize all tools and supplies

  • Make sure any shelving or cabinets are securely fastened to the wall

  • Replace any damaged or broken windows, if necessary

  • Remove any items that are not part of the home, such as a personal car/rec vehicles

  • Add extra lighting if necessary, such as motion-sensor lights or spotlights

  • Install weather stripping around the garage door to keep out drafts and moisture

  • Install a storage system for bicycles, ladders, or other large items

  • Check the ceiling and walls for any signs of water damage

  • Add a fresh coat of paint to the walls or ceiling, if needed

 

ON PHOTOSHOOT DAY, OPEN HOUSE DAYS, and preferably before every home showing.

  • Remove any items that are not part of the home, such as a personal car/rec vehicles

  • Sweep or power wash the floor to remove any dirt or debris

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