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 need of renovation.
To give your home its best possible presentation, perform a
mini-makeover before your home is shown to potential buyers.
Here’s a list of tips that will help you make your home
more attractive.
Repair and Cleaning Checklist:
Exterior:
•
Remove peeling and chipped paint; replace with a fresh coat.
•
Clear gutters and downspouts.
•
Make sure there is good exterior lighting and all walkway lights
and front door lanterns work.
•
Remove any moss from the roof.
Yard:
•
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.
•
Clean grease and oil stains from driveway.
•
Weed flower beds.
Decks/Patios:
•
Paint or stain worn areas in wood decks.
•
Remove grass growing in concrete cracks; sweep off debris from
shrubs and trees.
•
Clean all fencing and make sure it’s secure; replace
missing slats or posts.
Front door:
•
Polish the hardware on the door until it shines.
•
Add a fresh coat of paint to get rid of nicks.
•
Clean the glass on the storm door; make certain the screen
is secure.
•
Make sure the doorbell operates properly and there are no squeaks
when the door opens and closes.
Windows:
•
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.
•
Replace cracked windowpanes and those with broken seals.
•
Make sure window screens are secure; replace any screens with
holes or tears.
Entry:
•
Clean entryway floors and area rugs.
•
Downsize clutter in entry closet to give the appearance of
spaciousness.
•
Double-check entry lighting to make sure it is operating.
Kitchen:
•
Make sure countertops and sinks are clean and stain-free.
•
Fix dripping faucets.
Living room/dining room/family room:
•
Give the room a fresh coat of paint, if necessary.
•
Repair cracks and holes in ceiling and walls.
•
Make sure all wallpaper is secure.
•
Repaint any woodwork that is worn or chipped.
•
Clean draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light.
•
Make sure draperies and blinds open and close.
Wash windows.
•
Steam-clean carpets. Clean rugs and wood flooring and remove
any stains or odors.
•
Position the furniture to showcase the size and space of the
room.
•
Remove and replace any attached items, such as chandeliers
and draperies, that you wish to move with you.
•
Put away toys and hobby supplies; remove extra magazines and
books from tables.
Bathrooms:
•
Make sure sinks, tubs, showers and countertops are clean and
free of stains.
•
Repair any leaky faucets.
•
Remove grout and soap stains from tile.
•
Replace any missing or cracked tiles or grout.
•
Make sure all joints are caulked.
•
Make sure all fixtures, including heat lamps and exhaust fans,
are operating.
•
Install a new shower curtain.
•
Store all supplies like toilet paper, shampoo bottles and cleansers.
Bedrooms:
•
Repair cracks in ceiling and walls.
•
Apply a fresh coat of paint if necessary.
•
Make sure wallpaper is secure.
•
Clean draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light.
•
Put away toys, clothes.
•
Neatly make up the beds.
Basement:
•
Remove any evidence of water penetration or dampness.
•
Get rid of musty odors.
•
Clean furnace and drains.
•
Make sure light fixtures are operating.
•
Arrange storage area in a neat and organized manner.
•
Sweep floor.
•
Make sure stairway handrail is secure.
Tidy extras:
•
Plant flowers to brighten a walkway and enrich the entry.
•
Remove any indoor houseplants that are brown or losing their
leaves.
•
Remove all fixer cars, campers and boats from the property.
•
Discard the clutter of magazines on the coffee and end tables.
•
Hide or get rid of worn-out throw pillows.
•
Replace shower curtains and invest in a matching set of towels
in the bathrooms.
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