Getting Your Home Ready For Sale
Even in a seller’s market, first impressions are important. Whether it is an open house or
scheduled tours, you want prospective buyers to see the best aspects of your home. Before
your realtor hangs out the For Sale sign, there are a few things you want to take care of in and
around the home.
Outside the Home
Take a drive by your house and give it a critical glance. What do you see? Is it a property you
would be interested in buying? Take note of everything that may turn off potential buyers.
Remove any unnecessary items in the yard, like toys, garden equipment, and anything else lying around.
Replace any burned-out porch and garage lights.
Give your mailbox and doors a fresh coat of paint.
Clean out the gutters and replace any damaged sections.
Wash windows and repair any ripped screens.
Keep the lawn mowed or driveways and sidewalks shoveled depending on the season.
Add colorful bedding or potted plants by walkways and entrances.
Power wash the siding and patios.
You may also want to consider replacing your roof. It can be a large expense, but it is a selling
point for potential buyers.
Inside the Home
Your goal is to make buyers see themselves living in the space. A good tip is to have a close
friend or family member stop by and give their honest opinion about the home. It includes the
smell test. Ask if there are any lingering odors you may not be able to detect.
Remove personal belongings like pictures and knickknacks.
Wipe scuff marks off of baseboards and walls.
Consider painting the walls a neutral color. Buyers will have a better idea of how their stuff will look in the home.
Do a walk-through checking doorknobs, faucets, and light fixtures. Tighten loose doorknobs and oil squeaky hinges. Fix any leaky faucets and replace burned-out light bulbs.
Take a look at cabinet doors and vent covers. Wipe off any accumulated dust and grime.
Home buyers will look in your closets. They need to know what type of storage comes with the home. Organize and declutter the closets, do not use them as a place to store personal items.
Wipe down inside window panes, sills, and frames. Vacuum and dust blinds. If you have curtains and/or valances, it’s a good idea to wash them.
Hide any pet supplies like litter boxes, food, and water bowls before the open house or scheduled visit. Not everyone is a pet lover, and they may be put off knowing one lives in your home.
Vacuum and shampoo carpets. It’s inexpensive, removes stains, and gives the home a fresh, clean scent.
Clean and straighten up any entertainment or game rooms, and don’t forget to dust off any components like home theater projectors. You also want to pick up any trailing power cords.
You can place air fresheners throughout the house, but don’t overdo it. You don’t want the scent to overpower buyers or make them think you are trying to cover up a bad odor.
Conclusion
Getting your home ready to sell doesn’t have to be stressful. Just follow a checklist, and you’ll
be ready to wow prospective buyers.