Preparing your home for a private viewing

Preparing your home for a private viewing and listing photos is an essential part of the selling process.  These are the things you should focus on...

Photography & Showings Checklist

Exteriors

• Remove cars from driveway
• Close all windows
• Sweep walkways
• Pick up leaves & sticks
• Mow lawn
• Plant fresh flowers & add mulch
• Put toys & bicycles away
• Store seasonal decor
• Stow garden tools & supplies
• Remove all hoses
• Straighten deck/patio furniture
• Clean pool area   
• Remove all pet waste
• Get windows professionally cleaned and keep screens off

 Kitchen

• Remove items from refrigerator door
• Store food in cabinets
• Declutter counters & stove
• Stow small appliances
• Hide soaps & cleaning items
• Clear sink of dishes
• Put away drying rack
• Organize items on open/glass shelves
• Place bowl of fruit on counters
  

Bathrooms

• Make the bathrooms sparkle
• Hang fresh towels
• Clear counters of toiletries
• Clean mirrors
• Clean toilet & close lid
• Remove all items from tub & shower 

Bedrooms

• Make the beds
• Arrange decorative pillows
• Put alway clothing & shoes
• Clean under the bed
• Clear surfaces of clutter
  

Dining Area

• Push in dining chairs
• Add simple centerpiece
• Set the table for dinner
• Set out fresh flowers
• Add a bottle of wine & glasses

Common Areas

• Remove clutter
• Open shades/blinds
• Replace burned out light bulbs
• Put toys away
• Empty waste baskets
• Hide pet dishes, toys & beds
• Vacuum carpets, mop floors
• Turn on all lights
• Turn off ceiling fans

Pets

• Ask a friend/family member to care for your pet at their house

Valuables

• Secure all jewelry
• Secure all cash/checkbooks/credit cards
• Secure sensitive documents (financial records, passports, etc)
• Secure all small electronics
• Secure antiques
• Secure all firearms (locked safe)