You can significantly influence the selling price of your property by preparing before putting it on the market. Here are some suggestions to improve a buyer’s first impression of your home. Print this out and use it as a reference.
General
- Remove clutter
- Remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners
- Remove paint splash on floor and cabinets
- Clean and polish door hardware and handrails
- Clean wall switches and outlet covers
- Clean and tidy basement and attic storage
- Add plants and flowers throughout the house
House Exterior
- Seal driveway
- Weed-free driveway and walkways
- Healthy, weed-free, and trimmed lawn
- Trees and shrubs trimmed
- Wash front steps and porch
- Check front doorbell and bell light
- Clean or replace welcome mat
- Repair and repaint fences and gates
- Clean gutters and downspouts
- Clean or repaint siding
- Wash windows and screens
- Clean shutters
Living, Family, Dining Rooms
- Repaint or touch up walls, ceiling and trim
- Repair or replace damaged molding
- Clean and wax hardwood and vinyl floors
- Shampoo carpet
Bedrooms
- Repaint or touch up walls, ceiling and trim
- Clean drapes and bedspread
- Shampoo carpet
- Clean out all closets
- Clear all bedroom furniture
- Put away all clothing
Bathrooms
- Paint or wallpaper using light colors
- Scrub tile, bleach, and repair grout
- Check to see that drawers/doors open easily
- Clean floor
- Clean out medicine cabinet
- Seal around tubs and showers
- Replace old toilet seats
- Replace shower window curtains
- Put out a set of color coordinated bath linens
Kitchen
- Paint or wallpaper walls and ceiling with light color
- Clean floor
- Clean cabinets and appliances
- Clean out refrigerator and wash interior
- Empty dishwasher and clean around controls
- Check operation of all appliances
- Arrange and clean food storage areas
- Clean out cabinets and drawers
- Neatly display dishes in cabinets
- Clear clutter from counter tops
- Check to see that drawers/doors open easily
- Wash or replace curtains
Laundry
- Check operation of appliances
- Clean all appliances
- Clean and organize laundry area
- Provide adequate light to area
Garage
- Check operation of wall sockets
- Remove oil and grease from floor
- Clean and organize storage
- Maintain noisy garage door opener
