Preparing Your Home for Sale

The Exterior of your Home

1. The Yard

[ ] Trim bushes & trees removing all dead limbs & debris.
[ ] Add fertilizer/ greening agent to lawn & plants.
[ ] Remove all weeds from flowerbeds, rocks, & cracks in concrete. (Suggest Weed Be Gone or similar product).
[ ] Install/ Inspect decorative metal or stone borders between lawn & planting beds.
[ ] Clean up rock/ mulch beds making sure the rock covers the ground Add more rock/ mulch if needed.

2. Decks, Patios, Driveways, Porches, & Fences

[ ] Wash driveways & sidewalks.
[ ] Patch holes & cracks.
[ ] Remove stains.
[ ] Replace any broken areas.
[ ] Paint and/or stain fences & decks.
[ ] Arrange outdoor furniture & firewood neatly.
[ ] Put away all lawn equipment, bikes, & toys.

3. House

[ ] Inspect all exterior elements of home: gutters, downspouts, siding, windows sashes, trim, & shutters. Clean, paint, and/or replace as needed.
[ ] Replace any broken windows, doors, & screens. Make sure they all operate properly.
[ ] Clean windows & screens thoroughly. This helps brighten the home inside.
[ ] Roof: Inspect for missing/ damaged shingles & flashings. Make any necessary repairs.
[ ] Clean & touch up paint on the little things: House numbers, mailboxes, doorbells, etc…

4. Front Porch: Extra Attention Needed! This should be very welcoming.

[ ] Replace front door if damaged & can not be repaired.
[ ] Paint door & trim.
[ ] Clean porch area.
[ ] Put out a new & clean doormat.
[ ] Install potted/ hanging plants if space permits.
[ ] Have a nice porch light. Repaint, clean, or replace. Install high wattage bulbs to make porch area brighter.

B. Interior

1. Whole House Improvements

*THOROUGHLY CLEAN ENTIRE HOME!*

[ ] Clean windows & screens.
[ ] Clean curtains, drapes, & blinds.
[ ] Clean carpets. If pet stains exist replace carpet & pad.
[ ] Clean & wax wood floors.
[ ] Clean vinyl & ceramic floors.
[ ] Clean, paint, replace all vent covers.
[ ] Clean, polish, paint/stain wood trim in home.
[ ] Be sure to remove pet odor & smoke odor when cleaning. Smell is a huge part of what buyers remember about your
home.
[ ] Remove wallpaper & borders (this is a personal taste & buyers see work when they see wallpaper).
[ ] Freshly paint home using white, off white or beige paint. This will match the buyers furnishings.
[ ] Repair damages to walls & ceilings. Includes: holes, cracks, & water stains. Repaint after repair.

*Make House Light & Bright!*

[ ] Clean all lamp shades & covers.
[ ] Replace bulbs with high wattage bulbs.
[ ] Clean windows & screens.

2. Closets

[ ] Remove out of season clothing from closets.
[ ] Leave only a few items on the floor of closets.
[ ] Add extra, empty hangers.
[ ] Neatly arrange items on shelving.
[ ] Leave extra space on shelves.

3. Pay Attention to the Little Things

[ ] Tighten loose door knobs.
[ ] Fix any leaky faucets.
[ ] Tighten loose towel racks.
[ ] Oil any squeaky doors or drawers.
[ ] Arrange furniture to give an open feel. Remove any unnecessary or oversized furniture.
[ ] Make sure all switches & outlets are clean & working properly.
[ ] Place fresh flower arrangements throughout home.
[ ] Make sure windows open & close with out squeaking.
[ ] Hide Prescription medication. Theft of these items is rising.

4. Kitchen & Baths

[ ] Thoroughly clean all counter tops, appliances, mirrors, ovens, sinks, toilets, tub, & shower walls.
[ ] Store small appliances to open up counter space.
[ ] Clear off vanity counter tops & store all personal care items neatly.
[ ] Clean ventilating hood & exhaust fans.
[ ] Remove rust stains.
[ ] New knobs on drawers & cabinets make a difference.
[ ] Clean & organize drawers, cabinets, & linen closets.
[ ] Clean all tile grout & caulk. (Suggest Clorox Bleach Pen & Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, or similar product).
Re-caulk areas that can not be cleaned.

5. Garage, Basement, Attic, & Storage Areas

[ ] Dispose of everything you are not going to move.
[ ] Arrange items neatly & clutter free.
[ ] Consider painting walls & ceilings white.
[ ] Remove stains & dirt from floor.
[ ] Paints floors gray.
[ ] Organize garden tools & equipment.
[ ] Wipe off dirt/cob webs from water heater, furnace, washer & dryer.
[ ] Cure water problems in basement. Seek professional advice if needed.