Fully
preparing your home for sale can make a
considerable difference in the time it
takes to sell it. You can help eliminate
buyer objections before they arise by
making necessary repairs and improvements,
some of which are suggested below.
Outdoors
Spruce up your
garden and lawn; trim shrubbery and replace dead plants.
Yard and patio
should be neat; outdoor furniture should be clean and in good
shape.
Clean or paint
your front door - remember first impressions last the longest!
Manicure your
front yard; make sure your driveway and entryway are free of
clutter.
Exterior
Check that house
numbers, mailbox, and exterior lighting are all in good condition.
Touch up with
fresh paint as needed.
Inspect chimney
for cracks or earthquake damage.
Repair loose
trim, drain pipes, and fencing.
Clean stains and
window screens.
Cleaning
Living Areas
Apply fresh paint
as needed... think about brightening your interiors with
neutral-toned paint.
Clean draperies
and carpets.
Replace burnt out
light bulbs.
Clean the
fireplace and remove smoke stains from the wall and mantle.
Closets
Doors and drawers
should open and close easily.
Remove clutter;
tidy up shelves and racks.
Shoes and clothes
should be neatly arranged.
Kitchen
Sinks,
appliances, and counter tops should sparkle; remove any clutter.
Wax the floor.
Clean the oven,
range, and put away all appliances.
Clean tile and
grout; replace if necessary.
Bathrooms
Clean mirrors,
glass, chrome, and porcelain surfaces and store all personal
items.
Replace shower
curtain, fresh towels, and new guest soaps to every bath.
Fix any faucet
drips or leaks.
Clean grout and
caulking; replace if necessary.
Garage
Remove clutter
and tidy up the shelves.
Overall
Check the basics
around the house. It takes just a minute to check all doors,
windows and cabinets to make sure they don't stick, squeak or are
too loose.
Clean your
furnace and water heater so buyers know they are looking at a
house that has been well maintained.
Depersonalize the rooms by putting away family photos, mementos, and
distinctive artwork.
Take one or two major pieces of furniture out of every room to create a sense
of spaciousness.
Outdoors
