In order to present your home at its best for photos and property showings, there are a few tasks that you, as the Seller, should do:
Remove clutter and clear off counters
The idea of de-cluttering is to remove all personal items that will attract the attention of potential Buyers, causing them to look at your “stuff” and not your home. You want Buyers to admire the wonderful features your home has to offer, and be able to picture themselves, their family, and their personal items in the space.
Lock up valuables, jewelry, keys, and money
Your safety is always a top priority so be sure to lock up any items that are of value or important to you. Keep money, keys, garage remotes, laptops, medicine, and mail out of sight.
Clean all areas inside and outside of your home
A clean house will make a strong first impression and send a message to Buyers that your home has been well-cared for. This includes floors, windows, blinds, baseboards, walls, and ceiling fans. Cut the grass and trim trees and bushes that may be impeding the driveway or walkways. Sweep entry ways, porches, and walkways, and remove toys and any other items that you do not need off patios and balconies.
Get rid of smells
Clean furniture, carpets and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows to air out the house and use soft smelling potpourri or plug-ins near the entrance of the home and in the hallway between bedrooms.
Brighten your rooms
Make sure there are working light bulbs in all light fixtures. For rooms or areas that do not receive a lot of natural light, you may want to consider using higher wattage light bulbs.
Neutralize paint colors throughout the house
Neutral paint colors make a home feel warm and welcoming. Dark walls or too many colors may be a distraction or seem like one more item to be completed prior to move-in.
Take care of minor repairs
There are some repairs that may seem minor but could deter a Buyer from making an offer on your home. This includes plumbing leaks, torn screens, damaged carpet, drywall damage, beeping smoke detectors, and sticking doors.
Accentuate
Jazz up your home by adding small accents here and there, like a nice plant or flowers, table settings/centerpiece, decorative bathroom towels, throw blankets/pillows, etc.