Preparing your Home for Sale

• Make the exterior a lasting first impression
• Keep the lawn trimmed and edged.
• Weed and cultivate flower gardens.
• Trim shrubs and eliminate dead trees or branches.
• Pick up any debris, toys and lawn equipment.
• Repair any fences and gates and give them a fresh coat of paint or stain if necessary.
• Have the exterior clean and attractive, the roof in good repair, and the gutters and downspouts in good condition.
• Have the exterior, driveway and sidewalk professionally washed.
• Replace any cracked windows and torn screens.
• Make the entrance-way clean and inviting.
• Be sure the doorbell works.
• Wash down the mailbox and porch light, sweep the porch.
  

• Walls should be clean and free of smudges, fingerprints and dents.
• Consider a fresh coat of paint, if a good washing doesn’t work.
• Inspect woodwork and wallpaper for areas that need attention.
• Arrange furniture to make each room appear more spacious and attractive.
• If a piece of furniture is badly worn, store it temporarily in the attic, basement or at your neighbor’s house.
• Wash windows and sills until sparkling clean.
• Curtains and drapes should be freshly laundered.
• Shampoo rugs and carpets.
• Floors should be waxed.
• Repair loose doorknobs, sticking doors and windows, and warped kitchen drawers and cabinet doors.
• Fix leaky faucets and eliminate stains on sinks and counter tops.
• Tighten loose stair banisters and be sure steps are free of objects.
• Light fixtures should be in good repair.
• Replace discolored or cracked switch and outlet plates.
• Clean out closets to display their roominess.
• Be sure clothes are hung neatly and shoes and other objects are tidily arranged.
• Bathrooms should be sparkling clean with no stains or mildew.
• Repair the caulking in tubs and showers.
• If necessary, replace shower curtain and set out fresh towels.
• Bedrooms should appear neat with attractive spreads and curtains.
• Remove any clutter (including wall posters) from kid’s rooms.
• Use packing boxes to clean up the basement, attic and garage.
• The kitchen should be especially clean and dishes put away.
• Clear the fireplace of ashes.
• Make sure the garbage is always taken out

Helpful Hint: Something fresh baked always makes your house more attractive during a showing.