A small investment in time and money can give your house the advantage over competing homes in your neighbourhood when it comes time to show it to a prospective buyer. Here are some suggestions for preparing your home for showing:

WELL MAINTAINED Repair leaky taps and toilets Clean furnace and humidifier Tighten door knobs and cupboard latches Repair cracked plaster Touch up chipped paint Repair seals around tub and basin Replace burned out light bulbs Oil squeaking doors	KEEP IT CLEAN Clean and freshen bathrooms Clean refrigerator, stove, and counters Clean furnace exterior Clean washer, dryer, and laundry tubs Clean carpets Clean and repair windows
CURB APPEAL Cut lawns Trim and edge shrubs Weed and edge gardens Pick up litter Clear drive and walkways Repair soffits and eavestroughs Clean out garage Touch up paint	WHEN THE DOOR OPENS Clean and tidy porch and foyer Does the doorbell work? Is the door hardware in good shape? Is the air fresh?
CREATE A BUYING MOOD Arrange convenient access with a lockbox Turn on ALL lights Turn on air conditioning Light Fireplace Open drapes in the daytime (close at night) Play quiet background music Keep pets out of the way	MAKE SPACE Clear halls and stairs of clutter Store surplus furniture Clear kitchen counters and stove Make closets neat and tidy Make garage neat and tidy
SHOWING THE HOUSE Obtain agent's business card upon entry. Be courteous. Don't force conversation. Allow agent to emphasize home features. Three's a crowd. Stay out of the way.	AVOID QUESTIONS House details and extras are on MLS printout. Refer specific questions to me. Provide information (if requested) on Schools, Shops, Transportation, Churches & neighbours.