Preparing your Home for the Market

The Top 10 Exterior Items That Make Every Home Look Its Best

• Keep your lawn cut and edged. Trim trees and shrubs, removing all dead limbs and debris.
• Add color to your yard and front porch with flowers and/or hanging plants.
• Arrange outdoor furniture and firewood neatly. Put away all lawn equipment, bikes and other toys.
• Repair any broken areas of your fence, deck, patio, etc. Make sure these areas are clean and in good shape.
• Check the exterior of items like siding, window sashes, trim and shutters. Clean these areas and/or paint as needed. Give special attention to the front door area.
• Make sure your gutters are clean of debris. Wash or paint as needed. Re-align the gutters if they look crooked.
• Check the roof for shingles or flashing that need replacing or repair.
• Replace broken windows, doors and screens. Make sure each looks clean and in good condition.
• Wash driveways and sidewalks. Patch holes and try to remove stains.
• Touch up the "little things"... house numbers, mail box, door bell, etc

Preparing your Home for Sale

• Entry area should be spotless.
• Entry area closet should appear roomy. Remove out-of-season items and add extra hangers.
• Eliminate cooking, smoking and pet odors.
• If there are smoking odors, have furniture, drapes and carpets cleaned.
• If there are pet stains, carpet and padding may need replacement.
• Stick to neutral colors if painting or replacing carpets.
• Wash all windows - take advantage of natural sunlight.
• Window screens should be in good condition and free from holes.
• Make sure all lighting fixtures have working light bulbs.
• Increase bulb wattage in basement area.
• Clean all carpets.
• Clean all wood and tile floors.
• Get rid of cluttered closets . . . leave very few items on the floor of closets.
• Consider moving large pieces of furniture into storage.
• Clean and polish woodwork.
• If the season is appropriate, open windows and let the fresh air into the house.

Living Areas

• Have walls and ceilings in top shape.
• Repair any damages that may have caused ceiling or wall stains and repaint.
• If repainting, stay with neutral off-white colors.
• Replace any burned out light bulbs.
• Add higher wattage light bulbs if rooms are dark.
• Be sure all lighting switches are in working order.
• Wash floors.
• Remove stains from carpeting.
• Clean and organize closet space...remove out of season clothing to make
• closets appear larger.
• Consider adding fresh or silk flower arrangements throughout the house.
• Sweep and clean fireplace.
• Make sure all doors and windows open and close easily.

Kitchen

• Clean and organize all storage space.
• Avoid clutter, store small appliances.
• Clean ventilating hood and exhaust fan.
• Sink, cabinets, appliances and counter tops should be clean and fresh.
• Wash & organize cabinets.

Bathrooms

• Check all faucets. Repair any dripping faucets.
• All surfaces should be spotless. Clear off vanity countertops.
• Replace worn shower curtain(s).
• Remove all personal care items from sight and neatly store.
• Clean and organize drawers and linen closet.
• Clean and repair caulking.

Basement, Attic, Garage

• Dispose of everything you are not going to move.
• Pack all items you won’t be needing until after the move and arrange neatly so the exterior walls can be inspected.
• Basement and attic stairways should be well-lighted & free from clutter.
• Increase bulb wattage on stairways and in basement, attic and garage.
• Basement and attic handrails must be secure.
• If basement is dark and gloomy, consider painting ceilings and walls a light color.
• Sweep floor of garage; remove any stains and dirt.
• Organize tools and garden equipment.
• Wipe off any dust and dirt from water heater and furnace.

A Final Checklist Before Buyers Visit Your Home

• Keep drapes and shades open to let in the natural light.
• Keep rooms neat...avoid clutter.
• No dirty dishes in the sink or on countertops.
• Keep toys in an organized fashion.
• Keep bikes, wagons and skateboards out of the way.
• Keep the volume on radio, stereo and television turned down.
• Take the family out of the house during the showing, if possible.
• Keep pets outdoors or caged when your home is being shown.
• Let the real estate professionals show your home to the buyers they are representing. If you happen to be at home during the showing, try to remain in an area of the home that is not being shown by the real estate agent.
• When evening showings occur, have your home well-lighted. Be sure to turn on outside lights, both in the front & back of the house.