Get Your Home Ready To Sell
Preparing your home ahead of time is the single best thing a seller can do to maximize your properties sell potential once it hits the market FOR SALE.
l Edge, mow and fertilize the lawn. Reseed any sparse areas.
l Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees. Cut back overgrown shrubbery.
l Reseal cracks in foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios. Power-wash your home’s exterior. Consider repainting in a neutral shade if there is peeling paint.
l Clean and align gutters and downspouts and inspect and clean the chimney.
l If the doorbell doesn’t work, repair or replace it. Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
l Remove oil stains from driveway and garage. If you’re selling in the winter, keep walks neatly cleared of snow and ice. Otherwise, keep the walks and driveway swept.
l Repair broken outdoor steps. Place brightly colored potted outdoor flower arrangements near the front door.
l Keep your garage door closed. Store RVs, boats and extra vehicles elsewhere while the house is on the market.
l Wash the windows inside and out.
l Clean walls, floors, inside closets and cabinets – everything. If you must, hire a cleaning service to come in and do the job.
l Get rid of clutter. Store appliances you normally leave on countertops. Clean out closets, garage, basement and attic.
l Paint the walls and ceilings off white or beige.
l Repair cracks, holes and damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint, and tiles.
l Replace damaged windowpanes, moldings and woodwork.
l Repair dripping faucets and showerheads.
l Buy new cabinet knobs and curtains for the kitchen.
l Shampoo all carpets, scrub and wax linoleum, wash and wax wood floors.
l Unclog slowly draining sinks and tubs.
l Clean out the fireplace and lay some logs in it.
l Mend torn screens. Clean out all window tracks.
l Replace burned-out light bulbs. Use brighter light bulbs.
l Make sure every light switch works.
l Nail down any creaking boards or stair treads and lubricate any squeaking doors.
l Remove excess, worn or unattractive furniture.
l Clean all appliances (especially refrigerator and oven).
l Replace old toilet seats and shower curtains.
l Clear all cobwebs from corners and doorways.
l Wash all light switches, handrails and doorknobs.
l Keep draperies and shades open to let in the light.
l Place fresh flowers throughout the house.
l Set out colorful, luxurious towels in the bathroom.
l Avoid having dirty dishes in the sink or on counters.
l Keep any toys in the children’s rooms, bikes, wagons and skateboards in the garage.
l Play pleasant music at low volume.