Interior
- Check that the doorbell works
- Clear and de-clutter the entrance and living rooms. Rearrange furniture if necessary
- Repair chipped or cracked plaster
- Check that all taps are in good working order with no drips or leaks
- Ensure that curtains or blinds are clean and undamaged
- Re-organise bookcases
- Hide any electrical wiring to TV or stereo
- Clean cupboards
- Clean windows inside and out
- Clean mirrors and glass screens
- Clean all floor coverings. Professional carpet steam cleaners make a big difference
- Make all beds
- Clean and polish throughout, paying special attention to the kitchen and bathroom
- Remove mould from the shower recess and soap stains from shower floor. Consider replacing shower curtain
- Clean dirty dishes and remove dishes from dishwasher
- Put away small appliances such as hair dryers in order to minimise clutter
- Empty rubbish bins and neutralise unpleasant odours
- Reduce general clutter, i.e. fridge magnets or cook books
- Put out clean towels, soap and air fresheners in the bathroom and/or toilets
Exterior
- The street appeal of your property will greatly influence buyers
- Check paintwork, guttering, brickwork and fascia boards. They may need a brush down or coat of paint
- Clear gutters of debris
- Remove weeds and dead leaves from gardens, trim plants and add mulch where necessary
- Clean out the garage and/or shed to minimise the amount of clutter and create more space
- Repair any cracked or broken glass, damaged fence panels and gate hinges
- Ensure all doors open, slide freely and easily lock and unlock
- Check that all fly screens are fitted in place and are in good condition
- Remove children’s toys from the yard and roll up the garden hose
- Clean barbeque
- Remove junk mail from the letterbox. Prominently display the house number
Tips for Open House Inspections
- Open curtains and blinds to let in as much light as possible
- Vases of fresh flowers or bowls of fresh fruit add colour. Flowers also add a pleasant fragrance
- Light a cosy fire in winter, or turn air-conditioning on in summer
- Display a few glossy lifestyle magazines on the coffee table
- Brew some coffee before each inspection
- Have some light music playing in the background
- Put away or remove all valuables, jewellery and mementos
- Minimise the amount of personal photos – you want the buyer to picture themselves in the property
- Remove pets and any evidence of pets during the inspection
- Try to be out of the house during the inspection so the buyers feel more comfortable