How to Keep Your House in Model Home Shape

This list was provided by Melody Salazar and was taught to her by one of her teachers! Melody called it

TIDY-UP TIPS

This checklist will help keep you on track so that you will be ready to show your home to a potential buyer at a moments notice. Remember, you are SELLERS not DWELLERS!

DO THIS DAILY:

•ü Make the beds.

•ü Get clothes off floors and into a hamper or back on hangers....overcrowded hampers...stuff into washer or dryer temporarily.

•ü Hang towels and wash cloths on towel bars to dry.

•ü Give tubs, showers, sinks and ovens and range tops a light scrubbing after use.

•ü Wash dishes or put them in the dishwasher as soon as the meal is done.

•ü Sort and file or dispose of mail as soon as you get it.

•ü Find a home for EVERYTHING. Newspapers into the recycling bin or trash, coats and shoes into the closet, dirty clothes into the hamper---

NO EXCEPTIONS!

•ü Put away personal items, such as eyeglasses, magazines, and books on the nightstand and lotions and toothbrushes on the bathroom vanity.

•ü Clean the litter box, pet areas & cages and pet soiling.

DO THIS WEEKLY:

•ü Tend to the yard (mow, rake, water, & pick up debris).

•ü Dust, vacuum, and sweep bare floors ( do more often as needed).

•ü Lightly scrub refrigerator surfaces and shelves and oven.

•ü Shake out, launder or vacuum throw rugs.

KEEP A CLOSE WATCH ON:

• Windows & light fixtures. Clean as needed...they need to sparkle. Even light bulbs need dusting.
• Laundry. Don't let it pile up in a heap on the floors or in the laundry area.
• The dishwasher. Empty is as soon as dishes are clean. Letting clean dishes sit there encourages dirty ones to pile up in the sink and on the countertop.
• Food bowls & litter boxes for pets. Put them in an out-of-the-way place. Not visible in the kitchen. Keep the area around them clean. Remove entirely during an open house or showing to potential buyers.
• Odors. Avoid cooking foods that leave strong odors, such as bacon, fish or garlic. If they can't be avoided turn on vents and open windows and light a fragrant candle to mask smells.
• The thermostat. Try to maintain a comfortable temperature level so the home isn't overly hot or cold. 68 degrees is usually comfortable.
• The garage and basement or carport. It's easy for these spaces to become the new home for items you've cleared from other rooms. If these spaces are overly crowded and you simply cannot part with things permanently, rent a storage unit so that you don't give the buyers the impression that the house lacks storage and space.

So as you can see, fairly extensive list of things to do but let me ask you a question: Do you think if you did all of the above your home might sell quicker and for a higher price?

Ty

This list has been provided to you by Salazar Staging & Custom Interiors