Walk across the street and look at your property as if you were a potential buyer. Ask yourself what a buyer might object to. The following is a list of suggestions:

The Exterior

• LAWN: The yard should be neatly mowed, raked and edged, notice surrounding homes in the Washington area


• TREES/SHRUBS: Should be pruned and shaped to compliment the property, notice homes in and around the Tacoma area
• FLOWERS: Consider adding seasonal flowers, notice homes in and around University Place, and Washington area
• SIDEWALKS/DRIVEWAYS: Should be swept and washed to remove debris, dirt and stains. Cracks should be repaired and patched, notice homes in and around the Fircrest, Washington area


• PAINTING: Check the home for any needed maintenance just as a buyer would. Repaint or touch up as necessary. You can't find a better investment when you are selling your house! Don't let the outside turn buyers off before the inside turns them on
• DOORS/WINDOWS: All doors and windows should be in good working order. Clean and paint doors if necessary, wash all windows and replace any broken or cracked window panes. Screens should be free of any tears or holes. Inspect all locks to ensure that they are functioning
• ROOFS/GUTTERS/DOWN SPOUTS: Check for loose or missing shingles. Clean out gutters and down spouts. Touch up peeling areas on gutters
   

The Interior



• ATMOSPHERE: When placing yourself in the potential buyer's shoes, you will want to consider the overall atmosphere of your home. Keep color, lighting and smell in mind as you go through the home. Create an atmosphere within your home as one of shelter, a place that is safe and warm and in good condition for the Tacoma Washington and Surrounding Area
• 
  .... SMELL: A clean-smelling house creates a positive image in the buyer's mind. Be aware of any odors from cooking, cigarettes, pets, etc. that may have adverse affects on potential Washington buyers
  .... COLOR: Be cautious when selecting colors when painting or replacing carpeting. The key is to promote your home to the largest segment of the buying market as possible. Stay with neutral colors - let the new owner choose their own color scheme
  .... LIGHTING: Take advantage of the natural light of Tacoma as much as possible by cleaning windows, opening shades and drapes etc. Add lamps and lighting where necessary. Be sure that all fixtures are clean and have functioning bulbs. Increase the wattage of the bulbs in the basement area
• WALLS: Check for peeling paint, loose wall paper. Consider replacing unusual or bold colors with neutral tones
• FLOORS: Clean all wall-to-wall carpeting and area rugs. Clean and polish linoleum, tile and wood floors. Consider refinishing wood floors if necessary
• CLOSETS: Empty closets of off-season clothing and pack for the move. Organize them to demonstrate the most efficient use of space. Leave as few items on the floor or shelves as possible
• FURNITURE: Arrange furniture to give the rooms as spacious a feeling as possible. Consider removing furniture from rooms that are too crowded. Avoid clutter. Pack up knick-knacks both to protect them and to give the room a more spacious feel if necessary, but leave enough items to give the home a nice Tacoma Area personal touch. Dispose of unneeded items. Store large furniture if necessary


• WOODWORK: Clean and polish all woodwork if necessary. Pay particular attention to the kitchen and bath cabinets


• BATHROOMS: Cleanliness is the key! Make sure that all surfaces are spotless and remove non-skid decals that are in poor condition. Replace worn or dirty shower curtains, clean and repair caulking and store all personal care products our of sight. Repair any faucets that leak or do not function properly. Clean off mineral deposits with vinegar or commercial products. Clear off counter tops. Clean and organize all cabinets and drawers. Consider bringing out your best soaps and towels. Add a plant for color and freshness
• FIREPLACE: Sweep and clean the fireplace. Place a few logs on the grate to create an attractive appearance. You are welcome to have a fire going during University Place showings; it creates a great atmosphere


• APPLIANCES & LIGHT FIXTURES: Clean, bright, sparkling and shiny!
• DINING ROOM: Consider adding fresh or sold flowers, or setting the table with an attractive arrangement


• KITCHEN: Avoid clutter. Store small appliances whenever possible to maximize the appearance of work space. Clean and organize all storage space. Sinks, cabinets, appliances and counter tops be clean and fresh
• BASEMENT/ATTIC: The Fircrest basement and attic should be cleaned and organized. Be sure that the stairs are cleared and well-lighted and that the hand rails are secure. Remove and dispose of any items that will not be moved with you. Pack other items neatly in boxes
• GARAGE: Sweep and wash the floor to remove dirt and stains. Organize tools, garden equipment, bicycles etc.
• ITEMS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SALE: Remove (and replace) any items that will not be included in the sale of the property, such as light fixtures