Preparing Your Home for Sale

How will the buyers see your property?

You only have one chance to make a positive first impression.  No one has a more important role in the home-selling process than you, the seller.  The correct staging of your home can go a long way towards achieving a successful sale at the highest price.  The key words to remember in preparing your house for sale are neat and sparkling clean.  Take a tour of your house as if you were the buyer.

Interior Presentation:

Remove clutter throughout, nick knacks, unnecessary furniture, etc.

Clean blinds and make sure curtains and/or drapes are freshly laundered

Make sure the carpets are clean and odor-free

Clean and wax hardwood flooring

Organize closets and cupboards

Make sure windows and screens are clean

Be certain that windows, screens and doors are in proper working order

Clean the oven and dishwasher inside and out

Clean all other appliances and make sure they are in proper working order

Run a lemon through the garbage disposal

Brighten interior walls with a coat of neutral paint

Repair cracked or peeling paint, wallpaper and wood work

Wash wall smudges and clean mirrors

Check all light bulbs

Clean the fireplace and/or wood stove

Clean the furnace and replace filters

Test all smoke detectors

Tighten loose door knobs, towel racks, cabinet handles and switch plates

Tighten loose stair banisters

Check house for musty or distasteful odors

Remove any rust or mildew

Be sure the home is well aired and clean smelling

Replace loose caulking or grout

Make sure all plumbing fixtures are in proper working order

Throw away unnecessary items

Exterior Presentation:

Remove dead or dying flowers inside and out

Touch up exterior paint

Paint the front door

Replace faded house numbers

Replace old door mats

Replace or paint weather-beaten mailbox

Make sure the doorbell works

Clean outdoor light fixtures

Shine outside brass fixtures

Clean and repair patio and deck areas

Repair fences and gates

Check roof shingles and replace or repair if necessary

Remove debris from the roof

Replace damaged bricks and rotted wood