Want the best results when selling a home in northern Virginia or DC? Our experience us shows that creating a inviting atmosphere inside your home can increases its appeal and desirability. View your home with a critical eye. View it as if you were the buyer.  Clean, polish, paint, complete minor repairs, and add all the special  touches. Prepare your home as if you were entertaining your finest guests.   Let it show its "Holiday Best!"  Make it  S*P*AR*K*L*E*!

• Adding a fresh coat of paint to your front door.

• Clean the landing in front of front door.  Pressure wash walk, remove any mold in brick or concrete.

• Blow away grass clippings or leaves.

• Add a brass kick plate.

• Add fresh colorful flowers or plants on each side of front door in a planter. (plastic flowers in winter)

• Polish all brass fixtures (especially at front door) and be sure door locks work properly.

• Oil hinges to both doors and windows. Check weather-stripping.

• Keep stairways extra tidy and secure handrails.

• Remove window screens and clean window glass.

• Cut back overgrown outdoor plants and shrubs that restrict natural light.

• Keep windows clean and tidy with draperies firmly affixed and in proper working order.

• Keep blinds and plantation shutters open to let in natural light.

• Repair or replace missing or damaged tile, hardwood, vinyl and baseboards.

• Wax vinyl floors.

• Add a  new coat of sealer for your hardwood floors if they are dull.

• Steam-clean or shampoo carpets. Then keep them vacuumed daily before showing.

• Secure loose carpeting and replace damaged areas.

• Stretch rugs if by a carpet mechanic if needed.

• Be conscious of odors caused by dampness, high-traffic areas and especially pets.

• Get rid of clutter.  Ample storage space increases the desirability of the home.

• Neatly arrange kids toys and games.

• Discard, give to charity or hold a garage sale to get rid of all unwanted items of old clothing

• Keep closets organized and tidy.

• Store items those you do not use frequently.  Discard any unnecessary items.

• Keep living areas clean, polished, neutral and inviting.

• Your home should smell nice, not overwhelmed by scents, odors or smells!

• Make sure that your furniture arrangement, and flow create a spacious atmosphere.

• Make all beds, arrange couch cushions, polish glass, dust shelves, vacuum carpets and touch-up walls with paint or spackling as necessary.

• All wallpaper should be clean and adhere smoothly to the walls.  Reglue if you have to.

• Accent your home with flowers or candles add to the home's housewarming appeal.

• Clear counters, drawers and cabinets of unnecessary items.

• Place out your best towels as if company were coming.

• Clean light fixtures and replace bulbs if needed.

• Replace faucets if chrome or brass are discolored.

• Clean soap dishes, mirrors, faucets and appliances (inside and out).

• Regrout tile in shower and tubs if needed.

• Scrub toilets, and mildew in shower tiles.

• Store cleaning supplies and hang freshly washed towels.

• Be conscious of odors caused by dampness, hampers, garbage and various foods.

• Store infrequently used counter-top items to allow a spacious look in the kitchen and bathroom.

• Magnets, and drawings off the cabinets and refrigerator.

• Polish wood, and countertops.

• Put away those extra gadgets, and canisters.

• Keep drawers and cabinets tidy and organized.

• Items should be neatly stored in shelving or wall units.

• Get rid of debris, old paint cans, and toss those old newspapers.

• Have a garage sale.

• Paint the garage, and floor.

• Allow appropriate space for the homebuyer to visualize their vehicle or workbench.

• Consider moving excess or over-sized items to mini-storage.

• Keep lawn trimmed and groomed.  Bag clippings!

• Paint trim and siding if needed.  Try cleaning first.

• Clean gutters, paint if needed.

• Replace any rotten trim wood, and paint.

• Cut trees away, and prune if too close to home.

• Add color to landscaping where needed. 

• Keep lawn watered and green.

• Blow off grass clippings and leaves from driveway

• Pressure wash driveway if needed.

• Add some fresh mulch where needed.

• Paint or freshen up fence, clean deck, and re-stain if needed.

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Office Number: 703.821.1840  - Ask for Ellen Crawford!