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

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