Preparing Your Home For Sale
A clean neat home in need of few or no repairs will sell faster, and
at a higher price, than one that is run down. To give your home its best possible
presentation, perform a mini-make over before your home is shown to potential buyers. Then,
do a final walk-through with your agent to make sure no details have been overlooked.
Here's a list of tips that will help make your home more attractive.
Remove peeling and chipped paint from exterior, replace with fresh coat. Clear
gutters and down spouts. Make sure exterior lighting works. Remove any moss from the roof.
Mow and trim grass, re-seed and fertilize where necessary. Prune all overgrown
trees and shrubs. Remove or replace dead or diseased plants, shrubs and trees. Weed
flower beds. Plant flowers to brighten a walkway and enrich the entry.
Paint or stain worn areas in wood decks. Remove grass growing in concrete cracks,
sweep off debris from walks. Clean all fencing and make sure it's secure, replace missing
slats or posts.
Polish the hardware on front door until it shines. Add fresh coat of paint to door to
get rid of nicks. Make sure the doorbell operates properly and there are no squeaks when
the door opens and closes.
Clean all windows inside and out. If needed, add a fresh coat of paint to the
window trims and sills. Make sure all windows open and close easily. Make sure window
screens are secure, replace any screens with holes or tears.
Downsize clutter in entry closet to give the appearance of spaciousness. Double check entry
lighting to make sure it is operational.
Clean draperies and blinds throughout the house. Open them to maximize light. Make
sure all draperies and blinds open and close.
Apply a fresh coat of paint throughout the house, if necessary. Touch-up nicks.
Clean carpets, rugs and wood flooring, removing any stains or odors.
Position furniture to showcase the size and space of rooms. Put away toys, hobby
supplies and remove clutter.
Remove or hide television from living room.
Remove and replace any attached items, such as chandeliers and draperies that you wish
to take with you.
Fix any dripping faucets.
Organize pantry and cupboards so they appear clean, neat and spacious. Make
sure the refrigerator and freezer are defrosted and free of odors.
Make sure all light fixtures, and exhaust fans are operating.
Install a new shower curtain in the bathroom. Make sure sinks, tubs, showers
and counter tops are clean and free of stains. Store all supplies like toilet paper,
shampoo bottles and cleansers.
Remove any evidence of water penetration or dampness in basement. Arrange storage areas in neat and organized manner.
Make sure hand rail to basement is secured properly.
At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting. Buyers often drive by homes
they are considering at various times of day.
Remove pets while home is being held open. Keep them penned in the yard or garage
during times when you are away.
Keep money and other valuables, as well as prescription drugs, out of sight.