MUST DO's before showing your home

There is nothing worse than going to an open house or on tour to find dirty dishes, unflushed toilets, or unsightly laundry in a house that is "FOR SALE". This has happened to me many times and it never ceases to amaze me. In the spirit of spring cleaning, here is the short list of things sellers should do before having ANYONE walk through their home.

1. Remove unsightly clutter off tables and counter-tops

2. Vacuum carpet area and sweep linoleum, hardwood and tiled floors.

3. Flush all toilets and make sure there is toilet paper, soap and hand towel available (just in case) a client, buyer or Realtor needs to use your bathroom.

4. Empty garbage cans- use Febreeze or Lysol when needed. (Buyers have a hard time overcoming odors)

5. Clean kitchen...this is a big one for me. Make sure dirty dishes are done and counter-tops are clean.

6. Make sure your DIRTY laundry is in a hamper or otherwise OUT OF SIGHT.

7. Make your beds- (open bedroom windows slightly, weather permitting)

8. Wipe down mirrors and sinks & dust tv's, living areas and computer equipment.

9. Make sure hallways and rooms are clear of obstructions.

10. If at all possible, remove your pet(s) from home during the showing.

Before you leave, do the SIGHT & SMELL TEST. Make sure that your home appeals to a buyer on both levels.

The outside of your home is often overlooked and can be as important as the inside.

1. Make sure pathways are free of obstructions, well-lit and and inviting to buyers.

2. Sweep porches off.

3. Roll up hoses.

4. Rake up leaves & debris.

5. Move shovels, rakes, bicycles, kids toys, etc. to garage.

6. Pick up DOG POO and keep grass mowed.

7. Make repairs to fences & gates to ensure they are in working order.

8. Clean up garage, storage and shop areas (if you have them).

9. Address septic, well, sprinkler and irrigation issues.

10. Walk your property as your buyers might do. Try and view your property through their eyes.

COMMON COMPLAINTS FROM BUYERS-

• Pets in home
• Broken, cracked and yes, even dirty windows
• Torn or missing screens
• Foul Odors
• Clutter inside home (can raise concern over storage space)
• Overgrown weeds, poor landscape
• Colored paint and wall paper
• Unfinished repairs or remodeling
• No curb appeal

COMMON SOLUTIONS FOR SELLERS-

• Clean and organize belongings
• Rent temporary storage unit if necessary
• Replace broken or cracked windows
• Replace or repair window screens
• Fresh paint whenever feasible
• Finish all "projects" inside and out
• Rake, weed and landscape yard
• Remove pets for showings
• Enlist help of professionals when necessary

Remember, you never have a second chance to make a first impression. In your absence, your home will be the first thing your buyer sees. In this market where we have so much inventory, a seller needs to do everything they can to make their property the one that gets the offer.

Good Luck ! ! !

Buying or Selling in Bend, Oregon?

Call Kelli Fronabarger-Bend Oregon Real Estate Expert

Bend River Realty- Broker

(541) 419-6300, (541) 322-0224