A clean, neat home in need of few or no repairs will sell faster, and at a higher price, than one that is run down. To give your home its best possible presentation, perform a mini-makeover before your home is shown to potential buyers. Then, do a ?nal walk-through with your Windermere agent to make sure no details have been overlooked. Here's a list of tips that will help you make your home more attractive. Some of the items below will be part of a buyer's inspection and may need to be repaired or replaced as part of the transaction. As your agent, I will discuss these important items with you.
Exterior:
Remove peeling and chipped paint; replace with a fresh coat.
Clear gutters and downspouts.
Make sure there is good exterior lighting and all walkway lights and front-door lanterns work.
Remove any moss from the roof.
Yard:
Mow and trim grass; re-seed and fertilize where necessary.
Prune all overgrown trees and shrubs.
Remove or replace dead or diseased plants, shrubs and trees.
Clean grease and oil stains from driveway.
Weed flower beds.
Decks/Patios:
Paint or stain worn areas in wood decks.
Remove grass growing in concrete cracks; sweep off debris from shrubs and trees.
Clean all deck rails and make sure they're secure; replace missing slats or posts.
Front Door
Polish the hardware on the door until it shines.
Add a fresh coat of paint to get rid of nicks.
Clean the glass on the storm door; make certain the screen is secure.
Make sure the doorbell operates properly and there are no squeaks when the door opens and closes.
Windows:
Clean all windows—inside and out.
If needed, add a fresh coat of paint to the window trims and sills.
Make sure all windows open and close easily.
Replace cracked windowpanes and those with broken seals.
Make sure window screens are secure; replace any screens with holes or tears.
Entry:
Clean entryway floors and area rugs.
Downsize clutter in entry closet to give the appearance of spaciousness.
Double-check entry lighting to make sure it is operating.
Living room / dining room / family room:
Give the room a fresh coat of paint, if necessary.
Repair cracks and holes in ceiling and walls.
Make sure all wallpaper is secure.
Repaint any woodwork that is worn or chipped.
Clean draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light.
Make sure draperies and blinds open and close.
Wash windows.
Steam-clean carpets. Clean rugs and wood flooring, and remove any stains or odors.
Position the furniture to showcase the size and space of the room.
Remove and replace any attached items, such as chandeliers and draperies, that you wish to move with you.
Put away toys and hobby supplies; remove extra magazines and books from tables.
Kitchen:
Make sure countertops and sinks are clean and stain-free.
Fix dripping faucets.
Organize pantry and cupboards so they appear clean, neat and spacious.
Make sure the refrigerator and freezer are defrosted and free of odors.
Clean the oven and cook-top thoroughly.
Bathrooms:
Make sure sinks, tubs, showers and countertops are clean and free of stains.
Repair any leaky faucets.
Remove grout and soap stains from tile.
Replace any missing or cracked tiles or grout.
Make sure all joints are caulked.
Make sure all fixtures, including heat lamps and exhaust fans, are operating.
Install a new shower curtain.
Store all supplies, such as toilet paper, shampoo bottles and cleansers.
Bedrooms:
Repair cracks in ceiling and walls.
Apply a fresh coat of paint if necessary.
Make sure wallpaper is secure.
Clean draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light.
Put away toys, clothes.
Neatly make up the beds.
Basement:
Check for water penetration or dampness; call for professional repairs if necessary.
Get rid of musty odors.
Clean furnace and drains.
Make sure light fixtures are operating.
Arrange storage area in a neat and organized manner.
Sweep floor.
Make sure stairway handrail is secure.
Tidy extras:
Plant flowers to brighten a walkway and enrich the entry.
Remove any indoor houseplants that are brown or losing their leaves.
Remove all "fixer" cars, campers and boats from the property.
Discard the clutter of magazines on the coffee and end tables.
Hide or get rid of worn-out throw pillows.
Replace shower curtains and invest in a matching set of towels in the bathroom.
At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting. Buyers often drive by homes they are considering at various times of day.
