Preparing Your House for Sale

These tips can help your home show better than other competing listings.

EXTERIOR

General

• Clean off any dirt or mold – use a power washer, if necessary.
• Re-Paint, if necessary.
• Have the roof inspected for leaks, missing shingles, low spots, flashing, etc. Repair as needed.
• Check doorbell operation.
• Clean the windows.
• Clean the front door, walls, porches, decks, patios and remove all knick-knacks.
• Replace broken screens, lamps, light bulbs, as necessary.
• Clean and check gutters for proper drainage.
• Install new door mats.

Landscaping

• Remove anything that is unnecessary from the yard.
• The front of your property should be lush and green.
• Put down weed and feed to eliminate any weeds.
• Have any overgrown trees and bushes trimmed and cleaned out.
• Clean the walk ways.
• Manicure the lawn.
• New black mulch for flower beds and around trees.
• New flowers will also help.
• The yard should look professionally maintained.
• No vehicles in drive way during any showings.

INTERIOR

• Have the house totally cleaned.
• Remove all valuables.
• Place air freshener’s through out the house.
• Remove everything that you can and place in storage.
• Remove all family displayed photos (depersonalize the house.)
• Warm up the house with a couple of plants.
• Make sure all lights work and are bright.
• Clean all ceiling fans and light fixtures.
• Install new HVAC air filters and clean intake grates.
• Clean, paint or replace AC vents.
• Clean all mop boards.

Walls

• Fix any painting/picture holes and touch up paint.
• Make sure rooms are a neutral color and repaint if needed.
• Clean fingerprints off of light switches and walls.
• Clean all electrical outlets.
• Make any cabinet repairs needed.

Kitchen

• Check that all appliances are operational.
• Remove and clean under stove, fridge, washer and dryer.
• Spruce up cabinets with furniture polish.
• Counter tops should be clean and shiny.
• Check all faucets for drips and under sink waterlines for leaks.
• Check hood vent operation and clean.
• Make sure kitchen floor is as shiny as possible (wash and wax.)
• Sink should be clear of dishes and clean.
• Fridge should be clear of all stick on calendars, photos etc.

Ceilings

• Check for any water stains, sheet rock damage and repair as necessary.
• Paint and touch up as needed.
• Remove all cob webs.
• Clean all crown molding.

Carpets

• Replace if worn looking, and use neutral colors.
• Have professionally steam cleaned.
• Have carpet stretched if needed.

Bathrooms

• Check for proper drainage in the tubs and sinks.
• Check for drips and under sink leaks.
• Clean mirrors, counter tops, sinks, tubs, and commodes. Remove any mildew.
• Clean or replace caulk.
• Check cabinet and drawer operation. Repair as needed.
• Remove everything from counters.
• Shine the floor (wash and wax.)

Doors

• Check all doors for squeaks and oil as needed.
• Check that all doors close properly.
• Check that all locks work.
• Touch up paint if needed.
• Check exterior doors as well.

Windows

• Check operation of all windows, fix as needed.
• Clean all windows and ledges.
• Open windows and clean the sills.

Fireplace

• Clean and put a couple of logs on the grate.
• Check screen and door operation.
• Remove the fireplace tools.
• Repaint if needed.

Garage

• Clean and organize. Put everything you can in boxes.
• Check garage door opener operation and safety sensors.
• Make sure bulbs are bright.
• Wash concrete floor to remove any spots.
• Clean light switch cover.
• Move what you can to a storage unit.

Attic

• Clean and put everything in boxes.
• Check light operation.
• Clean whatever is possible.
• Check stair operation.
• Check for rodents, have professionally removed if needed.