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First impressions matter.  Our goal is to get the buyer to take a second look at your home.  The following suggestions have been written about and have been reiterated by many real estate brokers for many years.  IT WORKS!  You and your real estate broker should work closely together in preparing your home for sale.  Use the following check list to see how your home rates.  The final analysis will determine what you will need to do to get your house ready for that buyer.  Remember, nothing pays dividends to sellers of a house quite like elbow grease.  Good housekeeping and repair, spaciousness and pleasant aroma bring top dollar and fast sales.  This check list points out specific items around the home that can be key to a successful profitable sale.  If your home needs extensive work and time or funds are limited, it may not be practical to cover all the points but do the best job possible.  And most importantly, if you have a problem in your home don't mask it, disclose it.  This tells the buyer that you are honest and that he can trust your word.

 

SPRUCE UP OUTSIDE!     

 

Is your house in need of painting?  Paint

Do your gutters need repairing?  Repair

Any wood showing dry rot?  Replace or Repair

Is your front entry clean and neat?  All woodwork should be freshly and neatly painted, including the door if necessary.

Polish all brass.

Does your doorbell work?

Is your door mat new or clean?

Is your mail box in good condition?  Paint or replace

Mow and trim the lawn.

Weed flower beds; remove or replace plants or trees.

Driveways should be clean.  Remove any grease or oil spots.

Garage door should open freely and if you have an automatic door opener, make sure it is in good working order.

Remove unregistered vehicles from the yard.  Try to hide any boats or recreational vehicles you have in your yard.

Fence – any missing stakes or slats?  These should be fixed and painted or stained if necessary.

Roof – repair any shingles if needed and repair any leaks.

Swimming pool – make sure it sparkles and the decking is clean and neat.  Above ground pool, as well.

Windows – repair or replace torn or bent screens.  Replace or repair broken panes.  Make sure the windows are clean and open freely.  Storm windows, as well.

 

SPRUCE UP THE INSIDE

 

Doors – make sure all doors open and close freely, especially closet doors and patio or sliding glass doors.  Tighten the hardware, particularly doorknobs, also check the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors.

Walls – paint or clean ceiling and walls if needed.  If you have wallpaper, make sure it is clean and the wallpaper adheres smoothly to the walls.

Floors – repair or replace missing or damaged pieces of tile; polish hardwood floors and wash/wax the linoleum.  Carpets should be cleaned.  Make sure that there are no pet odors present.

Switches and fixtures – repair or replace wall switches, outlets and light fixtures that don't work.

Plumbing – badly shipped or irreversibly stained sinks and tubs should be re-enameled, patched or replaced.  Leaky or excessively noisy toilets should be fixed as well as any dripping faucet.

 

GIVE YOUR HOME A SPACIOUS LOOK

 

• Open up your storage areas by getting rid of items you aren't using.  Especially in the closets.
• Remove all unnecessary material from the attic and basement so that full storage and utility space will be visible.
• Counters and cabinets should be free of clutter.  This applies to kitchen and bathrooms.
• Garage should be for cars and not be used for another storage area.
• Remove furniture to make rooms appear larger, if needed.

 

HOUSEKEEPING HINTS

 

• Check your house for odors, especially animal odors.
• Remove garbage and trash from inside the house and garage.

 

TIPS FOR SHOWING YOUR HOME

 

• Open all draperies unless there is an objectionable view.
• Turn on lights for a bright and cheerful look.  Don't forget the light in the walk-in closets.
• Set out some fresh flowers, both for their appearance and fragrance.
• Bake cookies or bread.  Don't cook seafood or strong-smelling vegetables like cabbage or cauliflower.
• Keep your ashtrays clean.  They are a source of objectionable odor, especially for nonsmokers.
• Try to keep your pets out of the house when there is a showing if possible.
• Have soft background music playing when the house is being shown.  Never have the TV on.
• Keep stairways clear of clutter for safety and neat appearance.
• Try not to be present when the house is being shown.  Most buyers will not relax and closely inspect a home if the owners are present.
• Depending on the season, light a fire in the fireplace.
• Arrange porch or patio furniture attractively.

 

REMEMBER!!  IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM IN YOUR HOME – DON'T MASK IT – DISCLOSE IT!!

 

 

 

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