Preparing Your Home for Sale

A clean, neat home in need of few or no repairs will sell faster, and at a higher price, than one that is run down. To give your home its best possible presentation, perform a mini-makeover before your home is shown to potential buyers. Then, do a final walk-through with your Windermere agent to make sure no details have been overlooked. Here's a list of tips that will help make your home more attractive. Some of the items below will be part of a buyer's inspection and may need to be repaired or replaced as part of the transaction. As your agent, I will discuss these important items with you.

Repair and Cleaning Checklist:

Exterior:

·                          Remove peeling and chipped paint; replace with a fresh coat.

·                          Clear gutters and downspouts.

·                          Make sure there is good exterior lighting and all walkway lights and front door lanterns work. Remove any moss from the roof.

Yard:

·                          Mow and trim grass; re-seed and fertilize where necessary.

·                          Prune all overgrown trees and shrubs.

·                          Remove or replace dead or diseased plants, shrubs and trees.

·                          Clean grease and oil stains from driveway.

·                          Weed flower beds.

Patios:

·                          Paint or stain worn areas in wood decks.

·                          Remove grass growing in concrete cracks; sweep off debris from shrubs and trees.

·                          Clean all fencing and make sure it's secure; replace missing slats or posts.

Front door:

·                          Polish the hardware on the door until it shines.

·                          Add a fresh coat of paint to get rid of nicks.

·                          Clean the glass on the storm door; make certain the screen is secure.

·                          Make sure the doorbell operates properly and there are no squeaks when the door opens and closes.

Windows:

·                          Clean all windows-inside and out.

·                          If needed, add a fresh coat of paint to the window trims and sills.

·                          Make sure all windows open and close easily.

·                          Replace cracked windowpanes and those with broken seals.

·                          Make sure window screens are secure; replace any screens with holes or tears.

Entry:

·                          Clean entryway floors and area rugs.

·                          Downsize clutter in entry closet to give the appearance of spaciousness.

·                          Double-check entry lighting to make sure it is operating.

·                          Living room/dining room/family room:

·                          Give the room a fresh coat of paint, if necessary.

·                          Repair cracks and holes in ceiling and walls.

·                          Make sure all wallpaper is secured.

·                          Repaint any woodwork that is worn or chipped.

·                          Clean draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light.

·                          Make sure draperies and blinds open and close.

·                          Wash windows.

·                          Steam-clean carpets.

·                          Clean rugs and wood flooring and remove any stains or odors.

·                          Position the furniture to showcase the size and space of the room.

·                          Remove and replace any attached items, such as chandeliers and draperies that you wish to move with you.

·                          Put away toys and hobby supplies; remove extra magazines and books from tables.

Kitchen:

·                          Make sure countertops and sinks are clean and stain-free.

·                          Fix dripping faucets.

·                          Organize pantry and cupboards so they appear clean, neat and spacious.

·                          Make sure the refrigerator and freezer are defrosted and free of odors.

·                          Clean the oven and cook-top thoroughly.

Bathrooms:

·                          Make sure sinks, tubs, showers and countertops are clean and free of stains.

·                          Repair any leaky faucets.

·                          Remove grout and soap stains from tile.

·                          Replace any missing or cracked tiles or grout.

·                          Make sure all joints are caulked.

·                          Make sure all fixtures, including heat lamps and exhaust fans, are operating.

·                          Install a new shower curtain.

·                          Store all supplies like toilet paper, shampoo bottles and cleansers.

Bedrooms:

·                          Repair cracks in ceiling and walls.

·                          Apply a fresh coat of paint if necessary.

·                          Make sure wallpaper is secure.

·                          Clean draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light.

·                          Put away toys, clothes.

·                          Neatly make up the beds.

Basement:

·                          Remove any evidence of water penetration or dampness.

·                          Get rid of musty odors.

·                          Clean furnace and drains.

·                          Make sure light fixtures are operating.

·                          Arrange storage area in a neat and organized minder.

·                          Sweep floor.

·                          Make sure stairway handrail is secure.

Tidy extras:

·                          Plant flowers to brighten a walkway and enrich the entry

·                          Hide or remove any indoor houseplants that are brown or losing their leaves.

·                          Remove all fixer cars, campers and boats from the property.

·                          Discard the clutter of magazines on the coffee and end tables.

·                          Hide or get rid of worn-out throw pillows.

·                          Replace shower curtains and invest in a matching set of towels in the bathrooms.

·                          At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting. Buyers often drive-by homes they are   considering at various times of day.

CONTACT MARK NOW!

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