Getting your home ready to show

Start with cleaning, clearing surfaces, and letting in light. The goal is a fresh, welcoming home. You don’t need to make everything perfect.

• Clean the little touchpoints.

  Wipe down doors, frames and jambs, light switches, outlet covers, handles, and noticeable marks on walls and baseboards. Magic Erasers work well on trim and light switches. Use one that is just damp, never dripping, and test painted finishes first.

• Deep clean bathrooms.

  Clean toilets, showers, tubs, grout, mirrors, and faucets. Hang fresh towels, and put away toiletries and cleaning supplies. Ditch the bathmat for photos and showings to give the floor a cleaner, more open look.

• Freshen up the kitchen.

  Clean countertops, cabinet fronts, hardware, the sink, and appliance surfaces. Remove grease and crumbs, and clear most items off the counters.

• Let in natural light.

  Clean windows, sills, and blinds. Remove curtains and decorative window coverings before photos and showings. Window treatments reflect personal taste. Removing them helps buyers focus on the room. Keep functional shades where privacy is needed.

• Clean floors and dusty areas.

  Vacuum carpets, mop hard floors, and dust ceiling fans, vents, and light fixtures. Address visible carpet or upholstery stains.

• Address odors at the source.

  Empty trash, clean pet areas, wash bedding, and address lingering cooking or smoke odors. Skip strong air fresheners and scented candles. A clean home doesn’t need a noticeable fragrance.

• Make rooms feel open.

  Clear walkways, reduce clutter, and put away excess furniture when practical. Straighten closets and cabinets so buyers can see the available storage.

• Put away personal and valuable items.

  Reduce family photos and highly personal décor. Secure medications, jewelry, important documents, and firearms before showings.

• Handle small noticeable repairs.

  Replace burned-out bulbs, tighten loose handles, fix dripping faucets, and touch up scuffs with matching paint. Discuss bigger repairs with your agent before spending money. Use matching bulb colors within each room for a consistent look.

• Tidy the outside and entry.

  Mow, edge, pull weeds, trim overgrown shrubs, and clear leaves and debris. Sweep the steps, wipe down the front door, and put away tools, toys, and unused planters.