Preparing Your Home to Sell

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Real Estate

Get Your Home Ready To Sell

l Edge, mow and fertilize the lawn. Reseed any sparse areas.

l Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees. Cut back overgrown shrubbery.

l Reseal cracks in foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios. Power-wash your home’s exterior. Consider repainting in a neutral shade if there is peeling paint.

l Clean and align gutters and downspouts and inspect and clean the chimney.

l If the doorbell doesn’t work, repair or replace it. Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.

l Remove oil stains from driveway and garage. If you’re selling in the winter, keep walks neatly cleared of snow and ice. Otherwise, keep the walks and driveway swept.

l Repair broken outdoor steps. Place brightly colored potted outdoor flower arrangements near the front door.

l Keep your garage door closed. Store RVs, boats and extra vehicles elsewhere while the house is on the market.

l Wash the windows inside and out.

l Clean walls, floors, inside closets and cabinets – everything. If you must, hire a cleaning service to come in and do the job.

l Get rid of clutter. Store appliances you normally leave on countertops. Clean out closets, garage, basement and attic.

l Paint the walls and ceilings off white or beige.

l Repair cracks, holes and damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint, and tiles.

l Replace damaged windowpanes, moldings and woodwork.

l Repair dripping faucets and showerheads.

l Buy new cabinet knobs and curtains for the kitchen.

l Shampoo all carpets, scrub and wax linoleum, wash and wax wood floors.

l Unclog slowly draining sinks and tubs.

l Clean out the fireplace and lay some logs in it.

l Mend torn screens. Clean out all window tracks.

l Replace burned-out light bulbs. Use brighter light bulbs.

l Make sure every light switch works.

l Nail down any creaking boards or stair treads and lubricate any squeaking doors.

l Remove excess, worn or unattractive furniture.

l Clean all appliances (especially refrigerator and oven).

l Replace old toilet seats and shower curtains.

l Clear all cobwebs from corners and doorways.

l Wash all light switches, handrails and doorknobs.

l Keep draperies and shades open to let in the light.

l Place fresh flowers throughout the house.

l Set out colorful, luxurious towels in the bathroom.

l Avoid having dirty dishes in the sink or on counters.

l Keep any toys in the children’s rooms, bikes, wagons and skateboards in the garage.

l Play pleasant music at low volume.