Preparing Your Home For Sale

To maximize your chances of selling your home, it is important that it shows well to the prospective buyer. Here is a simple check-list that will help you in this process.

Home Preparation Check List

1. Mow the lawn and keep it mowed

2. Replace grass in bare spots and fertilize.

3. Trim all hedges

4. Replace bare spots in hedges

5. Clean driveway and remove all stains or grease spots through pressure washing.

6. Clean and edge all walkways and driveways.

7. Paint front of house.

8. Paint doors.

9. Replace broken screens and windows.

10. Clean all windows.

11. Paint entry rooms.

12. Paint bare or scuffed trim.

13. Reduce excessive furniture to create more open space.

14. Reduce personal items such as pictures.

15. Clean carpets if necessary.

16. Clean and reduce clutter in closets.

17. Clean all tile grout in bathrooms, remove stains.

18. Reseal grout if necessary.

19. Replace all burnt out light bulbs.

20. Eliminate any odors such as pet smells, mildew, etc.

21. Keep house clean at all times.

22. Add plants if necessary.  Replace all dead plants.

23. Have utility bills photo copied for winter and summer months.

24. Have any surveys, appraisals, homeowners information available.

25. Know square footage, yard dimensions, etc.

26. Determine any major items to be fixed or replaced and work out a negotiation strategy in advance. (example: Home needs a new roof that would cost $10,000. Be willing to reduce price of home by $5,000 rather than replace roof yourself)