Sellers' Home Preparation Checklist

Raising your home's market value and positioning your home ahead of all others in the same price range is often a matter of first impressions. While not every item on this checklist is absolutely required, completing as many of these tasks as possible will maximize your home's appeal and, very likely, will bring in more offers at a higher price point.

EXTERIOR:

• Keep your grass freshly cut.

• Remove all yard clutter, such as gardening supplies and children's toys.

• Apply a fresh coat of paint to your front door.

• Touch up or freshly paint wooden fences.

• Weed your garden beds and spread fresh mulch.

• Clean your windows inside and out.

• Power-wash and/or repaint your home's exterior.

• Tighten and clean all door handles and hardware.

• Ensure all gutters and downspouts are firmly attached.

INTERIOR:

• Put away all clutter: newspapers and magazines, junk mail, toys, books, shoes, etc.

• Remove excess personal effects (contact me and I'll hook you up with my VERY affordable connection for temporary storage units!)

• Clean and/or repaint walls and ceilings.

• Steam-clean or shampoo carpets.

• Clean and re-organize closets and cabinets.

• Repair any plumbing leaks, including faucets, drain traps, shower heads and running toilets.

• Clean all light fixtures and replace bulbs as needed.

• Address any musty odors or pet smells.

FOR SHOWINGS:

• Turn on all of the lights and open the drapes in the daytime - you want the house to seem as light and bright as possible.

• Put away family photos and mementos wherever possible, so that buyers can imagine their own family in the home.

• Keep your pets secured outdoors.

• Play quiet background music.

• Light the fireplace if seasonally appropriate.

• Infuse your home with a comforting scent, like apple spice or vanilla.

• Vacate the property while it is being shown.

If you're ready to put your home on the market, or want to discuss the possibility, please contact me! I'm always here to help.