Walk through each room and criticize the home from a buyer's perspective.
Have that repair that you’ve been putting off? Consider hiring a contractor to handle any major projects.
Consider getting a professional home inspection to see if any repairs are needed.
Consider getting a 3rd party appraisal to find out your current market value.
Do you need a Real Property Report (RPR), calling a Alberta Land Surveyor now as it may take around 6 weeks for the entire process to obtain an RPR with compliance
Get your furnace professionally serviced (save receipts)
Get your air vents cleaned (save receipts)
Make sure fireplaces are in working condition with glass cleaned and pilot light serviced.
Professional chimney cleaning
Repair major cracks in the driveway and sidewalks (mud jacking)
Ensure all windows and doors open, close and lock properly
Any window seals that appears to be fogging up should be investigated and repaired
Clean, Declutter and Depersonalize
Hold a yard sale. Sell, donate or trash anything you don't need
Thoroughly clean the entire home
Scrub tile in the kitchen and bathrooms (especially behind the toilet and underneath the sink)
Clean hardwood floors
Steam clean carpets and drapes
Consider replacing carpet if stains are prominent
Get rid of all dust bunnies
Have a professional Painter to repair cracks and holes in the walls
Re-Paint interior walls with warm, neutral colours, like light whites/greys, cream or light pastels
Remove excess and oversized furniture
Rearrange furniture to maximize space
Organize room closets and store out-of-season clothes
Remove items from the garage and store them off site
Secure any valuable items, including cash and jewelry
Maximize Exterior Curb Appeal
Paint the home's exterior, including trim, doors and shutters
Check front door, doorbell, address number and welcome mat
Power wash the siding and windows
Inspect the roof and make repairs as needed
Repair cracks in the driveway and sidewalks
Sweep the entryway and walkways
Mow, water and fertilize the lawn
Trim shrubs and trees and rake the leaves
Re-mulch areas as needed
Plant colourful flowers and shrubs
Store any toys or equipment lying on the yard
Clean up pet droppings
Clean the gutters and downspouts
Pay Attention to Kitchens and Bathrooms
Steam Mop and wax/polish the floors
Clean, polish and seal the quartz or granite countertops
Remove un-used and/or replace outdated hardware
Clean inside/outside of appliances and fixtures
If your oven has a self cleaning option, perform it to remove grease/burn marks
Perform de-odourizing of the dishwasher and drains
Clean and organize the pantry, cabinets and drawers
Replace old caulking around sinks and bathtubs
Remove any soap scum stains from sinks, toilets and bathtubs.
Clean your toilet bowl and keep all toilet seat lids closed
Hang fresh towels
Appeal to the Senses
Bake cookies or burn scented candles.
Offer light refreshments or chocolates
Replace instant on LED light bulbs to brighten rooms. Warm white is best, provide consistent warm theme throughout the home.
Turn on all the lights
Open windows to let in fresh air or turn on air circulator fan if applicable
Open curtains or blinds to let in natural light and show off views.
Turn off TVs and Radios
Relocate pets on the day of the showing
Steam mop hard floor surfaces
Refrain from smoking in the home
Steam clean the carpets to eliminate smells
Remove all small appliances, toys, magazines and pet items
Remove family photos, personal collections and medications
Show Off Your Home's Best Features
Remove rugs to show off hardwood floors.
Pull back drapes to showcase nice views.
Stage the front porch or deck with furniture and potted plants.
Clean the backyard and pool area
Remove any personal private items including listing contracts, bank statements and photos (eliminate distractions)
Turn on exterior lights and shovel your walk
Remove any ice build up on your walkway leading up to your home
Brush snow off deck
Use leaf blower to eliminate dust/dirt on your walkway, garage and deck
Power wash exterior and windows for a great first impression