Fully preparing your home for sale can make a considerable difference in the time it takes to sell it. You can help eliminate buyer objections before they arise by making necessary repairs and improvements, some of which are suggested below:
This is basic list. For more advanced sellers, where it is appropriate we have a more detailed action plan up to referring you to our Staging Specialist. She does nothing but professional staging. In many cases on higher priced homes we suggest putting her to work as this service can very easily pay for itself.
However, when at all possible all sellers should complete the following prior to placing there home up for sale.
Outdoors
- Spruce up your garden and lawn; trim shrubbery and replace dead plants
- Yard and patio should be neat; outdoor furniture should be clean and in good shape
- Clean or paint your front door – remember first impressions last the longest!
- Manicure your front yard; make sure your driveway and entryway are free of clutter
Exterior
- Check that house numbers, mailbox, and exterior lighting are all in good condition
- Touch up with fresh paint as needed
- Inspect chimney for cracks or earthquake damage
- Repair loose trim, drain pipes, and fencing
- Clean stains and window screens
Garage
- Remove clutter and tidy up the shelves
- Clean the floor
Overall
- Apply fresh paint as needed. Think about brightening your interior with neutral-toned paint
- Clean draperies and carpets
- Replace burned out light bulbs
- Clean the fireplace and remove smoke stains from the wall and mantle
Kitchen
- Sinks, appliances and counter tops should sparkle; remove any clutter.
- Wax the floor
- Clean the oven range and other appliances
- Clean tile and grout; replace if necessary
Bathrooms
- Clean mirrors, glass, chrome and porcelain surfaces
- Replace shower curtain if necessary
- Fix any faucet drips or leaks
- Clean grout and caulking; replace if necessary
Closets
- Doors and drawers should open and close easily
- Remove clutter; tidy up shelves and racks
- Clothes should be neatly arranged
Indoors
- Check the basics around the house. It takes just a minute to check all doors, windows and cabinets to make sure they don’t stick, squeak or are too loose
Clean your furnace and water heater so buyers know they are looking at a house that has been well maintained.
Again, these are just preliminary common sense tips, make sure to email me at RonLeeEmail@aol.com for a no obligation in home assessment and comparative market analysis. Email is the best way to reach me as I get contacted immediately at my smart phone and prioritize how to best follow-up. Thank You!
