The list of things below will help prepare your home/apartment ready for sale so you can attract maximum potential buyers.

GENERAL

• First thing to do is to air out the home. Most people are turned off by even the smallest odor. Odors must be eliminated, especially if you have pets or if you are a smoker.
• If the carpet has not been cleaned for over a year, now is the time to do it. Bare floors should be shined or polished, as well. Replace tiles if necessary.
• Clean and remove the stains on any wooden doors and cabinets with a wood maintenance product.
• Use an air freshener in all the rooms (but try to avoid strong scents, mild fragrance is pleasing to most) or fill the house with the pleasant aroma of fresh flowers or cinnamon.
• Repaint the walls, if necessary, in a neutral color such as white. Paint is your best improvement investment for getting a greater return on your money. Presentation is the key.
• Clear window ledges to give a nice glimpse inside and out.

Ask yourself, ‘Is there anything inside or outside the house that will hamper the sale?’ If so, replace it now. It is not a wise to wait until the sale.

Simplicity is the way to go. If it’s not furniture, it should not be on the floor. Remove all kinds baskets, luggage, etc. The more floor space the customers can see, the bigger the room will appear to them.

INTERIOR

LIGHTING

• Upgrade all light fixtures with tube or energy saving bulbs.
• Dust and clean all light fixtures and fans.
• Turn on all the lights in the evening to welcome potential buyers.

WINDOWS

• Clean the interior and exterior of all windows and glass doors.
• Keep all the blinds and shades open and curtains removed to allow maximum light.

BATHROOMS

• All the tubs, toilets, sinks; shower curtains in your home should be immaculate. Get rid of soap film, hair or other unsightly things. Polish the sinks with lemon or vegetable oil.
• Put away unused shampoos, soaps, scrubbing implements, razors, waste bin, cleansers etc. under sink.
• Remove all rugs and commode lids.
• Streamline the washing counter with one or two decorative items.
• Use baskets to hold make-up and toiletries so that after use they can be stored under the counter.
• The grout and tile should be clean and repaired if necessary. There should be no leaks in the faucets or taps. Discolored grout should be bleached.
• One or two towels can be used as decoration.

LIVING AREAS

• Make sure that there is not too much furniture in the room. Select pieces that look the best and put the others in storage.
• Store personal photos in storage and make the room as depersonalized as possible, so that potential buyers are able to visualize their personal items in the home.
• Patch nail holes and paint. This is probably one of the most important things to a potential buyer!
• Clear all magazines, books and unnecessary objects from furniture throughout the apartment.
• Add lighting to dark or dimly lit areas of your home to illuminate them.
• Remove the curtains so that light can pass through.
• Decorate with some fresh flowers to make the place look vibrant and lively.
• Create a relaxed atmosphere in your living room. This is where most families spend their time, so make sure it looks GREAT!

BEDROOMS

• The master bedroom is one of the most important rooms in the house. Make sure it looks neat and clean.
• Keep the room decorations minimalistic and furnished.
• Keep the clothes out of sight. Makes sure they are not scattered all over the room.
• Clean the children’s rooms and take down posters, open the curtains to let the light pass.

KITCHEN

• Keep the countertops and furniture cleared off as much as possible. Kitchen counters should be as clear as possible showing that there is plenty of workspace. Keep the appliance in storage when not using them.
• Clean the oven and other appliances and ensure a spotless kitchen. Go over your kitchen as if you were a health inspector.
• Remove the magnets, pictures or other personal belongings from the door of your refrigerator.
• Remove the wastebasket and store it out of sight.
• Repair all the squeaks or drips in kitchen doors.