Get Your Home Ready To Sell
• Edge, mow and fertilize the lawn. Reseed any sparse areas.
• Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees. Cut back overgrown shrubbery.
• 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.
• Clean and align gutters and downspouts and inspect and clean the chimney.
• If the doorbell doesn’t work, repair or replace it. Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
• 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.
• Repair broken outdoor steps. Place brightly colored potted outdoor flower arrangements near the front door.
• Keep your garage door closed. Store RVs, boats and extra vehicles elsewhere while the house is on the market.
• Wash the windows inside and out.
• Clean walls, floors, inside closets and cabinets – everything. If you must, hire a cleaning service to come in and do the job.
• Get rid of clutter. Store appliances you normally leave on countertops. Clean out closets, garage, basement and attic.
• Paint the walls and ceilings off white or beige.
• Repair cracks, holes and damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint, and tiles.
• Replace damaged windowpanes, moldings and woodwork.
• Repair dripping faucets and showerheads.
• Buy new cabinet knobs and curtains for the kitchen.
• Shampoo all carpets, scrub and wax linoleum, wash and wax wood floors.
• Unclog slowly draining sinks and tubs.
• Clean out the fireplace and lay some logs in it.
• Mend torn screens. Clean out all window tracks.
• Replace burned-out light bulbs. Use brighter light bulbs.
• Make sure every light switch works.
• Nail down any creaking boards or stair treads and lubricate any squeaking doors.
• Remove excess, worn or unattractive furniture.
• Clean all appliances (especially refrigerator and oven).
• Replace old toilet seats and shower curtains.
• Clear all cobwebs from corners and doorways.
• Wash all light switches, handrails and doorknobs.
• Keep draperies and shades open to let in the light.
• Place fresh flowers throughout the house.
• Set out colorful, luxurious towels in the bathroom.
• Avoid having dirty dishes in the sink or on counters.
• Keep any toys in the children’s rooms, bikes, wagons and skateboards in the garage.
• Play pleasant music at low volume.