Can I Show Your House? -- Does It Sparkle?

I spent some time on a listing appointment yesterday with a family that had previously listed their home with another agent. The house didn't sell. Hmmm, why not?

Important question, right? Well ... I "can" tell you one thing in a big hurry. Resistance from the Sellers to do any prep at all when getting a call to show  the home. An attitude of "this is how we live, surely you don't expect us to put away our things just so you can tromp through our house and intrude on our time." How sad. Interesting though -- they "sound" extremely motivated to sell. Have their eye on a new home and want to be in it before school starts.

So, as with every Seller, I provide  with a quick checklist of things to do before someone comes to see their home ... after all, we want folks to see their HOUSE, not their home. Aside from my usual list and walk through advice of taking down personal pictures, removing tons of furniture, cleaning out the closets, etc., here's my checklist of "what to do when you get the call." Perhaps it'll be useful to you. 

• Make the beds
• Hide the laundry
• Put dirty dishes in the dishwasher
• Wipe dry the sinks, tubs, etc.
• Swish clean all toilets, wipe the rims, and be sure they are flushed and the lids are down.
• Ensure that dry matching towels are neatly hung in the bathrooms.
• Vacuum or sweep all floors
• Tidy, tidy, tidy! - Especially kitchens, bedrooms, and den areas!
• Be sure sidewalks are swept, the lawn is neat and tidy, gardens weeded.
• Use the nose test - does everything smell fresh and clean? Briefly open some windows to air things out, if needed. Then close them, of course, if it's cool outside.
• If you have pet, try to minimize them as much as possible, keeping litter boxes clean and out-of-sight, and cleaning up any accident areas. It's also a good idea to be sure that pet-food dishes are hidden, and certainly if you typically feed your kitties on top of your kitchen counters!
• Add appealing light scents through air fresheners or periodically add a single drop of vanilla to the top of one light bulb in strategic rooms. This will spread a wonderful homey smell in those rooms!
• Be sure there are no burned-out light bulbs anywhere and that all of the light fixtures are also freshly washed and polished.
• Do a quick walk-through to be sure that any valuables, jewelry, weaponry, and personal financial papers are safely put away and completely out of sight.
• Ensure that temperature is around 68°, but hide floor fans during hot summer seasons if you use them. If you have a ceiling fan, turn it on so that it rotates slowly (reminiscent of that lazy summer day feeling).
• Ensure that soft "elevator-style" music is playing throughout the house.
• Turn on all of the lights even if it's a bright sunny day.
• Then LEAVE and either take your pets or safely lock them up away from the house, if possible.