Preparing Your Home For Sale

• Replace missing slats, stakes and posts.
• Repair broken hinges and paint or stain the fence if necessary.

• Mow, trim and fertilize the lawn.
• Weed flower beds and replace dead plants and trees.

• Clean up grease or oil spots on concrete surfaces.
• Make sure the garage door opens freely and the automatic door opener is working.
• Provide an unobstructed view of your home from the street by not parking cars, boats or other vehicles in the driveway.

• Polish door handles and door knockers.
• Replace worn or broken items, such as an unsightly mailbox or rusty doorbell.
• Be sure porch lights are working and add welcoming features such as a new door mat and flowering plants.

• Consider painting the highlight features of your home, such as trim work, shutters, gutters, down spouts and railings.
• If necessary, add a fresh coat of exterior paint to the exterior siding.

• Remove debris such as tree branches and leaves.
• Straighten the TV antenna.
• Make any necessary repairs to worn shingles or cracked surfaces.

• Flowering plants and outdoor furniture add appeal.
• Remove any unnecessary items such as gardening equipment.
• Tidy any visible items, such as an outdoor grill or barbecue.

Interior Touch Up's

Experience shows that creating a house warming feeling inside your home increases its desirability. View your home with a critical eye. Clean, complete minor repairs, and add finishing touches.

Doors and Windows

• Consider adding a fresh coat of paint to your front door.
• Polish brass fixtures and be sure door locks work properly.
• Oil hinges to both doors and windows.
• Keep stairways tidy and secure handrail.
• Repair or replace bent or damaged screens and window glass.
• Cut back outdoor plants that restrict natural light.
• Keep windows clean and tidy with draperies firmly affixed and in proper working order.

• Repair or replace missing or damaged tile, hardwood, vinyl and baseboards.
• Steam-clean or shampoo carpets.
• Secure loose carpeting and replace damaged areas.
• Be conscious of odors caused by dampness, high-traffic areas or pets.

• Ample storage space increases the desirability of the home.
• Keep closets tidy.
• Discard any unnecessary items and consider storing those you do not use frequently.

• Keep living areas clean and inviting.
• Arrange furniture to allow a spacious atmosphere.
• Make beds, arrange couch cushions, dust shelves, vacuum carpets and touch-up walls with paint or spackling as necessary.
• Wallpaper should be clean and adhere smoothly to the walls.
• Finishing touches such as flowers or candles add to the home's house warming appeal.

• Clear counters, drawers and cabinets of unnecessary items.
• Clean soap dishes, mirrors, faucets and appliances (inside and out).
• Store cleaning supplies and hang freshly washed towels.
• Be conscious of odors caused by dampness, hampers, garbage and various foods.

Counters and Cabinets

• Store infrequently used counter-top items to allow a spacious look in the kitchen and bathroom.
• Keep drawers and cabinets tidy and organized.

• Items should be neatly stored in shelving or wall units.
• Allow appropriate space for the home buyer to visualize their vehicle or workbench.
• Consider moving excess or over-sized items to mini-storage.

Showing Your Home

With buyers, first impressions count. A small investment in time and money will give your home an edge over other listings in the area when the time comes to show it to a prospective buyer.

1. Prepare Your Home For Showing
   • General Maintenance
   • Oil squeaky doors
   • Tighten doorknobs
   • Replace burned-out lights
   • Clean and repair windows
   • Touch up chipped paint
   • Repair cracked plaster
   • Repair leaking taps and toilets Spic and Span
   • Shampoo carpets
   • Clean washer, dryer, and tubs
   • Clean furnace
   • Clean fridge and stove
   • Clean and freshen bathrooms
     
     
2. The Buying Atmosphere
   • Be absent during showings
   • Turn on all lights
   • Light fireplace
   • Open drapes in the day time
   • Play quiet background music
   • Keep pets outdoors
     
     
3. Curb Appeal
   • Cut lawns
   • Trim shrubs
   • Weed and edge gardens
   • Pick up any litter
   • Clear walk and driveway of leaves
   • Repair gutters and eaves
   • Touch up exterior paint
     
     
4. The Spacious Look
   • Clear stairs and halls
   • Store excess furniture
   • Clear counters and stove
   • Make closets neat and tidy
     
     
5. The First Impression
   • Clean and tidy entrance
   • Ensure doorbell functions
   • Polish door hardware
     
     
6. Show Your Home Well
   • Keep room draperies and shades open to let in light, and make rooms appear larger.
   • Tag items not included in sale (i.e., water conditioner).
   • Have your home well-lighted during showing.
   • At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting in back if you have it.
   • Neatness makes a room look bigger. Avoid clutter.
   • Avoid having dirty dishes in the sink or on counters.
   • Keep any toys in the children's rooms.
   • Bikes, wagons, and skateboards should not be out front, but made as inconspicuous as possible.
   • Keep stereo or TV turned way down.
   • Keep pets outdoors when your house is being shown.
   • Remove and replace items not included in the sale of your house (i.e., Chandelier).
   • Remember.....to be a seller you have to look at your home like a buyer

and then don't forget to GET PACKING!!!!