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