Get Your Home Ready To Sell
-Edge, mow and fertilize the lawn. Reseed any sparse areas.
-Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees. Cut back overgrown shrubbery.
-Reseal cracks in foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios. Power-wash your home’s exterior. Consider repainting in a neutral shade if there is peeling paint.
-Clean and align gutters and downspouts and inspect and clean the chimney.
-If the doorbell doesn’t work, repair or replace it. Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
-Remove oil stains from driveway and garage. If you’re selling in the winter, keep walks neatly cleared of snow and ice. Otherwise, keep the walks and driveway swept.
-Repair broken outdoor steps. Place brightly colored potted outdoor flower arrangements near the front door.
-Keep your garage door closed. Store RVs, boats and extra vehicles elsewhere while the house is on the market.
-Wash the windows inside and out.
-Clean walls, floors, inside closets and cabinets – everything. If you must, hire a cleaning service to come in and do the job.
-Get rid of clutter. Store appliances you normally leave on countertops. Clean out closets, garage, basement and attic.
-Paint the walls and ceilings off white or beige.
-Repair cracks, holes and damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint, and tiles.
-Replace damaged windowpanes, moldings and woodwork.
-Repair dripping faucets and showerheads.
-Buy new cabinet knobs and curtains for the kitchen.
-Shampoo all carpets, scrub and wax linoleum, wash and wax wood floors.
-Unclog slowly draining sinks and tubs.
-Clean out the fireplace and lay some logs in it.
-Mend torn screens. Clean out all window tracks.
-Replace burned-out light bulbs. Use brighter light bulbs.
-Make sure every light switch works.
-Nail down any creaking boards or stair treads and lubricate any squeaking doors.
-Remove excess, worn or unattractive furniture.
-Clean all appliances (especially refrigerator and oven).
-Replace old toilet seats and shower curtains.
-Clear all cobwebs from corners and doorways.
-Wash all light switches, handrails and doorknobs.
-Keep draperies and shades open to let in the light.
-Place fresh flowers throughout the house.
-Set out colorful, luxurious towels in the bathroom.
-Avoid having dirty dishes in the sink or on counters.
-Keep any toys in the children’s rooms, bikes, wagons and skateboards in the garage.
-Play pleasant music at low volume.