Being Prepared - Prior To The Tour

• Remove all trash cans, pool and gardening equipment out of sight.
• If you have a For Sale sign on the property arrange to have it removed for the photographs otherwise the tour will not be compliant with MLS rulings.
• Park all vehicles off the driveway and away from the property
• If you require a 360 tour of the street make sure that you do not make your appointment on trash collection day or the the irrigation has not been set to come on wet streets and driveways are not attractive. Pick up any litter that the tour will see in the street
• Be sure to have the landscaping looking at it's best- trimmed and the grass cut. It is recommended that when possible to add some flowers for additional color.
• Stand back across the road from your property and check everything is perfect be very critical- remember that curb appeal is vital and that what you see is what will be seen on your tour.

Your Checklist For Interior Of The Property

• Kitchen: Clear all counter tops of all utensils, small appliances including coffee machines and toasters. The sink must be empty and clean, remove all trash, pans, pets dishes and linens. Personal accessories such as noticed boards cookery books and fridge magnets should also be placed out of sight. The tour will looked cluttered and draw attention to the clutter rather than the property.
• Living Areas: Remove all personal ornaments and accessories such as family photographs. Straighten all pictures, mirrors, seat cushions and make sure that curtains and blinds are hanging correctly. TV's are to be switched off and all DVD's, CD's, remotes and games hidden from view. Any electrical wires to be hidden wherever possible.
• Bedrooms: All beds to be made as you have never made them before! Stand back and check from all angles that the covers are perfectly ironed and straight on the bed. Nightstands should be clear apart from lamps. No personal items such as books, glasses, perfume bottles are to be in sight.
• Childrens Bedroom: Clear all clutter and store toys out of sight.
• Dining Areas: Where possible set the table with 4 place settings for dinner including place mats, napkins and sparkling wine glasses.
• Bathrooms: Clear all surfaces and shower cubicles of everything do not leave toiletries, toothbrushes, hair products - all surfaces to be completely clear! Replace towels on towel rails with fresh new towels -if this is not possible remove all towels as no towels are better than old damp towels. Close all shower curtains and check they are hanging correctly. All toilet seats must be closed and shower doors, floors and mirrors sparkling clean.

Your Checklist For Your Property In General

• First of all DO NOT WAIT until the day of the tour to start your checklist.
• Turn on all lights and lamps in the entire property- check to see if you need to replace any bulbs that are not working, if a bulb in the tour is out this will stand out immediately.
• Look around each room and critique your efforts.
• Open all blinds and window treatments for maximum light- now you need to clean the windows
• Vacuum and clean all floors.
• Open all doors into every room this along with the additional lighting gives an open and spacious feeling to the property.
• Finally make yourself a coffee - your deserve it, however don't forget to clear away afterwards!