When your home is for sale and you’re living in it, it can be difficult to always keep it in show-ready condition. After all, you, your family and your pet are living there day-to-day.

But, you have to think of an Open House as opening night for a really fantastic show and present your home in its best possible light.

Assuming you’ve cleaned thoroughly, made necessary repairs and upgrades, and implemented the expert advice and recommendations of a professional home stager, these are the “last minute” things to do before you show the house in order to make the most out of your potential buyer traffic.

You can use this checklist for both Open Houses and scheduled showings.

Curb Appeal

Park cars down the street and away from driveway and front of house in order to give buyers clear picture of home Remove any front lawn debris, toys, trashcans, pet debris etc. Garage doors down and front door wide open

Interior

Excess toys should be packed up and stored; each child will choose a basket or bin of favorite toys to play with Quickly go through home and pick up any extraneous stuff i.e. toys, clothes Create a junk drawer or basket where last minute clutter (today’s mail, newspapers, etc.) can be stashed at a moment’s notice Securely store personal items and anything small but valuable Remove make-up, shampoos, hair dryers and toiletries from bedrooms and bathrooms, and store (a handled shower caddy is a fast way to transfer shampoos from shower/bath to bathroom vanities or linen closets) Turn ON every light in the home and light candles (only in safe areas when you know your Realtor will be around) Open all blinds and window coverings for maximum light (unless there is privacy or view issues) Ideally have windows open but make sure the home is a comfortable temperature The house must be spotless, however, if not enough time, at least spray and wipe bathroom and kitchen counters Vacuum high traffic areas (if time) Fluff couch pillows, place throw strategically, organize coffee table Fire in fireplace if appropriate Close TV cabinet doors Turn on interior lights in china cabinet or shelves Set out dress towels in bathroom Toilet seats down Fluff beds and pillows in all bedrooms Keep music on low (use TV cable in order to keep uniform in every room) Always have fresh flowers on hand during home selling months and place them through out home (particularly in bathrooms and bedrooms) If time, bake chocolate chip cookies in oven and give to guests along with a pitcher of lemonade on tray or coffee brewing on a tray All ceiling fans should be on low All doors in house should be open as far as they can go EXCEPT closet doors (unless walk in) If time, set out “Emotional Connection Points” in each room i.e. set out kitchen place settings, bed tray, patio trays etc. If time, make arrangements for pets outside of the home (e.g. day care or friend) Remove any pet dishes, litter boxes, dog leashes and all traces of pets completely Empty all garbage cans (especially in kitchen and bathrooms)

Copyright © 2010 Designed to Appeal, LLC – All Rights Reserved

Donna Dazzo is a home stager and interior redesigner serving New York City and the Hamptons. She founded Designed to Appeal ( http://designedtoappeal.com ) in 2007 after a successful career in the financial services industry. Her experience in project management and marketing, combined with her lifelong passion for interior decorating and design, makes her a unique professional to help both realtors and home sellers sell homes faster and for top dollar.