So you're planning to sell your home. Once a current market value is determined by a comparative market analysis your home will sell faster and bring a higher price, if it shows well. Potential buyers consider first impressions extremely important and a clean, neat, uncluttered home in good repair will sell faster than others in your marketplace. This homeowner's checklist along with a few marketing tips will help your house sell faster.
Before a prospective buyers visits your home clean everything. Cleanliness sends the message to a buyer that the house has been well cared for and is most likely in good repair. A cluttered and messy home will cause buyers to notice every flaw. Clutter is the real problem. The less clutter results in a roomier feel and don't forget those closets. Before a prospective buyer arrives make sure you open your windows and air out the house and open your shades to allow as much light in as possible. Fresh flowers or potpourri are a wonderful touch and if possible include some fresh baked bread as added touch. Turn off your TV and play some soft instrumental music if possible.
Fix anything that is broken before your home is showed to buyers. A buyer will always make a lower offer if disrepair is apparent. Touch-up that paint! Fresh neutral colors are the best. If you own pets always secure them away from the house when the house is being showed. Additionally, if you have children take them to the park during showings since they can be noisy and distracting to someone interested in your house. Use this quick checklist to see if your home is really ready to be shown.
Exterior
Repair, Replace And Paint Damaged Areas Trim Siding Plaster Rain Gutters Doors Windows Frames And Glass Screens Hardware Fences And Gates Outdoor Lighting Shutters Roofs - Wash And Clean Pool & Spa Air Conditioning Units Outdoor BBQ Screens Windows Siding Check All Light Fixtures Garage Porch Carport Patch Or Reseal Driveway If Needed Clean Oil Stains From Driveway Check Septic Tank For Any Unpleasant Odor Paint Or Replace Street Numbers On House Check Doorbell Or Knocker Clean And Polish Door Hardware Clean Up Any Pet Droppings Repair Leaky Faucets Haul Away Rubbish Straighten Woodpile And Check For Insects Keep Service Areas And Rubbish Cans Clean Paint Or Clean All Exterior Doors Clean Gutters And Downspouts
Landscaping
Keep Your Yard Mowed And Neatly Trimmed Green Up The Lawn Eliminate Bare Spots Water Lawn Regularly Remove And Replace Dead Plants & Shrubs Prune Plants Weed Flower Beds Trim Around Trees, Fences, Walls Replace Any Damaged Landscape Accessories Check And Adjust Sprinkler System Replace Any Broken Stepping Stones
Interior All Rooms:
Clean Especially Around:
Doors Windows Baseboards Light Switches Chair Railings All Window Coverings Ceiling Fixtures Area Rugs Carpeting Check Corners For Cobwebs Make Beds And Fluff Pillows Fix Scratches In Wood Floors Check That All Doors Work Smoothly Empty Wastebaskets Check That All Lighting Is Working Polish All Wood Surfaces
Kitchens
Keep Dishes And Food Out Of Sight Clean All Appliances And Range Hoods Clean All Fixtures Check All Electrical Switches Deodorize Garbage Disposal, Dishwasher, Refrigerator Clean All Light Fixtures Check Working Order Of All Electrical Outlets Eliminate Cooking Odors Clean Under Sink Organize Cupboards
Bathrooms
Clean All Tile Grout And Repair If Needed Shine Mirrors Remove All Soap Residue, Mildew And Mold From Shower/Tub/Sink Remove Lime Deposits From Fixtures,Showers.Tub,Sink,Toilet Bowls. Make Sure All Toilets Flush Properly And Replace Noisy Mechanism Clean Out Cabinets And Remove Non-Essential Clutter Empty And Clean All Wastebaskets Keep Fresh Towels On All Towel Racks Clean Shower Door And Keep Track Well Lubricated On Sliding Doors Replace Old Shower Curtains Clean Exhaust Fans And Heaters Or Replace If Broken Or Noisy
Closets
Keep Closets Clean And Free Of Clutter Throw Out Or Store Nonessentials Adjust And Or Repair Any Sliding Doors Lubricate Sliding Doors Or Hinges That Noisy Paint Interior Wall If Needed
Laundry Rooms
Clean Out Areas Behind And Under The Washer And Dryer Eliminate Any Mildew Odors Keep Lint Traps Clean
Garage/Carports/Utility Sheds
Keep Area Clean And Uncluttered Clean Away Any Cobwebs Keeps Tool Area Uncluttered And Hang Up Lawn Tools Use Bright Lights In Garage And Work Areas Make Sure Automatic Garage Doors Are Working Properly Lubricate All Door Hinges And Tracks Of Overhead Doors
Air Conditioning And Heating
Replace Filters Clean Intake Vent Clean Around All Supply Vents
Some Additional Helpful Hints
Provide Potential Customers With A List Of All Warranties Still In Effect And All Bonds I.E.. Termite. List All Current Improvements And Upgrades That Make Your House Special.
