PREPARING YOUR HOME
LIGHTING
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All interior and exterior lights on, including floor lamps, table lamps, under-cabinet, stovetop, bedside, ceiling fan and other secondary light sources
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Ensure that all light bulbs work. Replace any burnt-out.
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Turn off ceiling fans
BATHROOMS
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Lower all toilet seats
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Clear countertops of non-decorative items
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Remove items from bath/shower (curtains/door open to show off tiling/fixtures
FRONT AND BACKYARDS
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Put hoses and other equipment away, organize patio/deck
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Pick up pet waste, put away garbage bins, general yard clean up
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Freshly-cut lawn and landscaping in good shape
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Pool cleaning equipment is removed and
the pool has been cleaned
OTHER
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Put all personal items away
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Remove any religious symbols from view
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Generally, make the house as clean as possible (remove streaks from mirrors, sweep/mop floors, etc.)
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Remove all holiday decor - examples include pumpkins, Christmas trees, menorahs, Christmas lights, wreaths from the front door, etc
VEHICLES
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Ensure that no vehicles are in the driveway or on the street in front of the home
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Close garage doors
KITCHEN
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Remove all non-decorative items from counters (dish soap, paper towels, phones, cleaning supplies, etc.)
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Remove magnets, photos, artwork from the refrigerator
STAGING
If available, place unobtrusive decorative items on counters and tables - examples include fresh flowers, bowls of fresh fruit, pottery, vases, and new candles