Preparing Your Home For Sale

 

Preparing Your Home For Sale: Basement, Attic, Garage

  • Dispose of everything you are not going to move.
  • Pack all items you won't be needing until after the move and arrange neatly, so the exterior walls can be inspected.
  • Basement and attic stairways should be well-lighted & free from clutter.
  • Increase bulb wattage on stairways and in basement, attic and garage.
  • Basement and attic handrails must be secure.
  • If basement is dark & gloomy, consider painting ceilings and walls a light color.
  • Sweep floor of garage; remove any stains and dirt.
  • Organize tools and garden equipment.
  • Wipe off any dust and dirt from water heater and furnace.

Preparing Your Home For Sale: General Interior Items

  • Entry area should be spotless.
  • Entry area closet should appear roomy. Remove out of season items and add extra hangers.
  • Eliminate cooking, smoking and pet odors.
  • If there are smoking odors, have furniture, drapes and carpets cleaned.
  • If there are pet stains, carpet and padding may need replacement.
  • Stick to neutral colors if painting or replacing carpets.
  • Wash all windows -take advantage of natural sunlight.
  • Window screens should be in good condition and free from holes.
  • Make sure all lighting fixtures have working light bulbs.
  • Increase bulb wattage in basement area.
  • Clean all carpets.
  • Clean all wood and tile floors.
  • Get rid of cluttered closets... leave very few items on the floor of closets.
  • Consider moving large pieces of furniture into storage.
  • Clean and polish woodwork.
  • If the season is appropriate, open windows and let the fresh air into the house.

Preparing Your Home For Sale: Kitchen and Bathrooms

Kitchen

  • Clean and organize all storage space.
  • Avoid clutter, store small appliances.
  • Clean ventilating hood and exhaust fan.
  • Sink, cabinets, appliances and counter tops should be clean and fresh.
  • Wash & organize cabinets.

Bathrooms

  • Check all faucets. Repair any dripping faucets.
  • All surfaces should be spotless. Clear off vanity countertops.
  • Replace worn shower curtain(s).
  • Remove all personal care items from sight and neatly store.
  • Clean and organize drawers and linen closet.
  • Clean and repair caulking. 

 

Preparing Your Home For Sale: Living Areas

  • Have walls and ceilings in top shape.
  • Repair any damages that may have caused ceiling or wall stains and re-paint.
  • If repainting, stay with neutral off-white colors.
  • Replace any burned out light bulbs.
  • Add higher wattage light bulbs if rooms are dark.
  • Be sure all lighting switches are in working order.
  • Wash floors.
  • Remove stains from carpeting.
  • Clean and organize closet space... remove out of season clothing to make closets appear larger.
  • Consider adding fresh or silk flower arrangements throughout the house.
  • Sweep and clean fireplace.
  • Make sure all doors and windows open and close easily