Preparing your home for the market

Your home has just one chance to make a great impression with each potential buyer. The following “tricks of the trade” will help you keep track of what needs to be done. The whole idea is to present a clean, spacious clutter-free home – the kind of place you would like to buy! Accomplish a little everyday and before long your home will be ready to make the impression that can make the sale.

To help your home’s curb appeal…
Mow the lawn
Trim the shrubs
Edge gardens and walkways
Weed and mulch
Sweep walkways and driveway, remove branches, litter or toys
Add color and fill in bare spots with plantings
Remove mildew or moss from walls or walks with bleach and water or other cleaner
Take stains off your driveway with cleanser or kitty litter
Stack woodpile neatly
Clean and repair patio and deck area
Remove any outdoor furniture which is not in good repair
Make sure pool or spa sparkles
Replace old storm doors
Check for flat fitting roof shingles
Repair broken windows and shutters, replace torn screens, make sure frames and seams have good caulking
Hose off exterior wood and trim, replace damaged bricks or wood
Touch up exterior paint, repair gutters and eaves
Clean and remove rust from any window air conditioners
Paint the front door and mailbox
Add a new front door mat and consider seasonal door decorations
Shine brass hardware on front door, outside lighting fixtures, etc.
Make sure doorbell is in good working order

General Interior Tips…
· Add fresh coat of interior paint in light, neutral colors
· Shampoo carpeting, replace if necessary
· Clean & wax hardwood floors
· Clean & wash kitchen & bathroom floors
· Wash all windows, vacuum blinds, wash window sills
· Clean fireplace
· Clean out & organize closets, add extra space by packing clothes and items you won’t need again until after you’ve moved
· Remove extra furniture, worn rugs, and items you don’t use: keep papers, toys, etc. picked up.
· Repair problems such as loose door knobs, cracked molding, leaking taps and toilets, squeaky doors, closets or screen doors which are off their tracks
· Add dishes of potpourri or drop of vanilla or bath oil on light bulbs for scent
· Secure jewelry, cash and other valuables

In The Living Room…
· Make it cozy & inviting, discard chipped or worn furniture and frayed or worn rugs

In The Dining Room…
· Set the table for a formal dinner

In The Kitchen…
· Make sure appliances are spotless inside and out (try baking soda for cleaning Formica stains)
· Make sure all appliances are in perfect working order
· Clean often forgotten spots on top of refrigerator and under sink
· Wax or sponge floor to a brilliant shine, clean baseboards
· De-clutter all counter space, remove countertop appliances
· Organize items inside cabinets, pre-pack anything you won’t be using before you move

In The Bathrooms…
· Remove all rust and mildew
· Make sure tile, fixtures, shower doors, etc. are immaculate and shining
· Make sure all fixtures are in good repair
· Replace loose caulking or grout
· Make sure lighting is bright but soft

In The Master Bedroom…
· Organize furnishings to create a spacious look with well-defined sitting, sleeping and dressing areas

In The Garage…
· Sell, give away or throw out unnecessary items
· Clean oily cement floors
· Provide strong overhead light
· Tidy storage or work areas

In The Basement…
· Sell, give away or throw out unnecessary items
· Organize and create more floor space by hanging tools and placing items on shelves
· Clean water heater and drain sediment
· Change furnace filter
· Make inspection access easy
· Clean & paint concrete floors & walls
· Provide strong overhead lighting