Getting your home ready for sale…

Inside

Clean! Clean! Have the carpet cleaned; wax the floors, wash the walls, windows, blinds, drapes and lighting fixtures. Consider hiring a professional cleaning service… it’s worth the expense!

Kitchen and bathrooms: Clear off the countertops. Leave your canisters and little else. Maximize the available counter space. These rooms should be gleaming. If unsightly, have the tub re-caulked and remove mineral deposits and grime from the shower walls and toilet. Clean the stove, microwave and refrigerator.

Storage areas:  Empty and organize the primary storage areas such as the garage and basement. Remember, you can do it now and benefit with a more attractive home on the market, or you can do it when you are packing to move when there is no advantage. Do it now! Consider renting storage space… it’s less expensive than you think!

Repairs: Identify and repair dripping faucets, sticking doors, etc. When people see areas of disrepair they begin to wonder whether there may be other unseen problems.

Closets: Remove out of season clothing. Organize your clothing and the shoes on the floor. Remove all clutter from cabinets and closets.
Furniture: The less furniture, the larger the room appears to be. Pay particular attention to the master bedroom!

Appearance: As a rule, do everything to lighten the appearance of the home. Raise the blinds, open the drapes. Use light colors to repaint dark rooms or rooms that need a fresher look.

OUTSIDE

The house: Walk the property and take a close look. Clean anything that looks dirty or sloppy; repair anything that looks loose, dingy, rusted or broken. Make sure the door bell works. Replace an old, worn-looking mail box; clean the exterior light fixtures and wash the windows. Look for hanging or rusty gutters, crooked antenna, loose shingles or shutters.

The yard: Turn and weed the beds; trim the trees and shrubs. Fix the fence and gate. Pick up garbage. Consider hiring a landscaping or lawn service to freshen up the look of your yard.

Front entry: It’s the first thing your buyers see as they stand and wait for the door to open! It’s worth the extra effort to spruce it up!
The garage: Get rid of virtually everything that hasn’t been used for a year. Clean the walls and floor.