Getting Ready

Getting Ready in advanced is the key to making the selling process smoother and more efficient.  Before you put your home on the market, there are a few things you should do to make sure it is ready to sale.

Perform a Self-inspection 

• Ask yourself, "Would I buy this home?"
• Try to remove any clutter or anything with emotional value. 
• Make a list of things you need to repair or change.
• Don't make major changes that will cost more to do than you will get for them.
• Plan all your projects to be finished before you place your home on the market. Any major repairs should be first on your list.
• Have a timetable that you would like to have all repairs or changes made and stick with it!

Repair and Cleaning Checklist

A clean home that looks nice and maximizes space will sell faster and at a higher price.  Keep in mind, a small investment in time and/or money could make your home much more attractive to buyers.

Exterior

• Replace exterior paint as needed (chipped or peeling).
• Clear gutters and downspouts.
• Repair and replace any damaged or missing roof shingles.
• Paint or stain worn areas on wood decks
• Remove grass growing in concrete cracks.
• Clean stains from the driveway.
• Repair all fencing; make sure it is secure, with no missing slats or posts. 
• Make sure there is good exterior lighting.

Yard

• Mow and trim grass.
• Be sure to water grass.
• Trim any overgrowth.
• Remove or replace any dead trees, shrubs, or plants.
• Weed flower beds.

Front Door

• Apply a fresh coat of paint or stain.
• Clean storm door.
• Make sure doorbell works.
• Make sure there are no squeaks when the door is opened and closed.
• Polish hardware.

Windows

• Add a fresh coat of paint to trim and sills if needed.
• Make sure all windows open and close properly.
• Replace any damaged window screens.
• Clean all windows inside and out.

Entry

• Clean floors and any rugs in entry.
• Downsize clutter in every closet to make them look spacious.
• Check to make sure lighting works.

Living/Dining/Family Rooms

• Add a fresh coat of paint if needed.
• Repair any cracks and holes in ceilings and walls.
• Make sure all wallpaper is secure.
• Clean draperies and blinds.
• Clean carpets or any other flooring.
• Position the furniture to showcase the size the size an shape of the room.
• Remove and replace any items you will be taking when you move.
• Put away any additional clutter.

Kitchen

• Clean counter tops and sinks.
• Fix dripping faucets.
• Organize pantry and cupboards so they appear spacious.
• Make sure the refrigerator and freezer are defrosted and odor free.

Bathrooms

• Clean sinks, tubs, showers, and counter tops.
• Repair leaky faucets.
• Replace and missing cracked tiles or grout.
• Make sure all fixtures are in working order.
• Hang a new shower curtain.
• Hide all clutter such as toilet paper, shampoo bottles, cleansers. 

Bedrooms

• Repair cracks in ceiling and walls.
• Apply fresh paint if needed.
• Make sure wall paper is secure.
• Clean draperies and blinds.
• Put away clutter.
• Make all beds neatly.

Other helpful hints

• Plant flowers to brighten walkways and entry.
• Remove all fixer cars, campers, and boats from the property.
• The first thing people notice is the garage door. Replace if needed. Sectional garage doors with windows can make it stand out.
• Remove all clutter, this will make for a more spacious inviting home.
• Spruce up a kitchen by replacing cabinet knobs and drawer pulls. Or add new curtains.