Preparing Your Home for Sale

A clean, neat home in need of few or no repairs will sell faster, and at a higher price, than one that is run down. To give your home its best possible presentation, perform a mini-makeover before your home is shown to potential buyers. Then, do a final walk-through with your Windermere agent to make sure no details have been overlooked. Here's a list of tips that will help make your home more attractive. Some of the items below will be part of a buyer's inspection and may need to be repaired or replaced as part of the transaction. As your agent, I will discuss these important items with you.

Repair and Cleaning Checklist:

Exterior:

• Remove peeling and chipped paint; replace with a fresh coat.
• Clear gutters and downspouts.
• Make sure there is good exterior lighting and all walkway lights and front door lanterns work.
• Remove any moss from the roof. Yard:
• Mow and trim grass; re-seed and fertilize where necessary.
• Prune all overgrown trees and shrubs.
• Remove or replace dead or diseased plants, shrubs and trees.
• Clean grease and oil stains from driveway.
• Weed flower beds.

Patios:

• Paint or stain worn areas in wood decks.
• Remove grass growing in concrete cracks; sweep off debris from shrubs and trees.
• Clean all fencing and make sure it's secure; replace missing slats or posts.

Front door:

• Polish the hardware on the door until it shines.
• Add a fresh coat of paint to get rid of nicks.
• Clean the glass on the storm door; make certain the screen is secure.
• Make sure the doorbell operates properly and there are no squeaks when the door opens and closes.

Windows:

• Clean all windows-inside and out.
• If needed, add a fresh coat of paint to the window trims and sills.
• Make sure all windows open and close easily.
• Replace cracked windowpanes and those with broken seals.
• Make sure window screens are secure; replace any screens with holes or tears.

Entry:

• Clean entryway floors and area rugs.
• Downsize clutter in entry closet to give the appearance of spaciousness.
• Double-check entry lighting to make sure it is operating.
• Living room/dining room/family room:
• Give the room a fresh coat of paint, if necessary.
• Repair cracks and holes in ceiling and walls.
• Make sure all wallpaper is secured.
• Repaint any woodwork that is worn or chipped.
• Clean draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light.
• Make sure draperies and blinds open and close.
• Wash windows.
• Steam-clean carpets.
• Clean rugs and wood flooring and remove any stains or odors.
• Position the furniture to showcase the size and space of the room.
• Remove and replace any attached items, such as chandeliers and draperies that you wish to move with you.
• Put away toys and hobby supplies; remove extra magazines and books from tables.

Kitchen:

• Make sure countertops and sinks are clean and stain-free.
• Fix dripping faucets.
• Organize pantry and cupboards so they appear clean, neat and spacious.
• Make sure the refrigerator and freezer are defrosted and free of odors.
• Clean the oven and cook-top thoroughly.

Bathrooms:

• Make sure sinks, tubs, showers and countertops are clean and free of stains.
• Repair any leaky faucets.
• Remove grout and soap stains from tile.
• Replace any missing or cracked tiles or grout.
• Make sure all joints are caulked.
• Make sure all fixtures, including heat lamps and exhaust fans, are operating.
• Install a new shower curtain.
• Store all supplies like toilet paper, shampoo bottles and cleansers.

Bedrooms:

• Repair cracks in ceiling and walls.
• Apply a fresh coat of paint if necessary.
• Make sure wallpaper is secure.
• Clean draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light.
• Put away toys, clothes.
• Neatly make up the beds.

Basement:

• Remove any evidence of water penetration or dampness.
• Get rid of musty odors.
• Clean furnace and drains.
• Make sure light fixtures are operating.
• Arrange storage area in a neat and organized minder.
• Sweep floor.
• Make sure stairway handrail is secure.

Tidy extras:

• Plant flowers to brighten a walkway and enrich the entry.
• Hide or remove any indoor houseplants that are brown or losing their leaves.
• Remove all fixer cars, campers and boats from the property.
• Discard the clutter of magazines on the coffee and end tables.
• Hide or get rid of worn-out throw pillows.
• Replace shower curtains and invest in a matching set of towels in the bathrooms.
• At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting. Buyers often drive-by homes they are considering at various times of day.