It's time to sell but where to begin? A real estate professional will guide you through the process. From showing your house to guiding you through escrow, a real estate broker is there to make the process as smooth and stress free as possible.
When prepping your house for sale there are three Cs to focus on; curb appeal, clutter, and cleanliness. Use the below check list to focus on what will take you home from humble abode to looking like a million bucks!
Exterior
- Refresh paint so there are no peeling or chipped patches
- 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
- Prune all overgrown trees and shrubs
- Weed lawns and flower beds and replace dead or dying plants
- Clean grease and oil stains from driveway
Decks/Patios
- Paint or stain worn areas in wood decks
- Clear grass and weeds from between cracks or seams in concrete
- Secure and clean deck railings
Windows and Doors
- Polish the hardware on the door
- Refresh paint or stain
- Clean glass and make sure screens are intact
- Make sure the doorbell operates properly and there are no squeaks when the door is opened or closed
- Make sure all windows open and close easily
- Replace cracked windowpanes and those with broken seals
Entry
- Declutter in entryway to give the appearance of spaciousness
- Make sure lighting is bright and welcoming
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 work
- Arrange storage area in a neat and organized manner
- Sweep/vacuum floor
- Make sure stairway handrail is secure
Living Room/Dining Room
- Give the room a fresh coat of paint if necessary (use neutral colors where possible)
- Repair cracks and holes in ceiling and walls
- Make sure all wallpaper is secure
- Paint/stain any woodwork that is worn or chipped
- Clean draperies and blinds and make sure they open and close smoothly
- Deep clean carpets
- Stage the room to its best advantage
- Put away toys and hobby supplies and other personal items
Kitchen and Bathrooms
- Make sure countertops and sinks are clean, de-cluttered, 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
- 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
- Store all supplies, such as toilet paper, shampoo bottles, and cleansers
- Put away prescriptions, jewelry, and any items of valuable that are at risk for theft
Bedrooms
- Put away toys, clothes
- Neatly make up the beds
- Keep all closets clean and organized and treat any odors.
- If you are still living in the house make bed every day, put away dirty laundry, and keep bedside table clear of clutter
Tidy Extras
- Plant flowers to brighten a walkway and enrich the entry
- Remove any indoor houseplants that are brown or losing their leaves
- Get rid of worn-out throw pillows
- Remove all "fixer" cars, campers, and boats from the property
- Use a critical eye when making changes, your agent can help give unbiased opinions
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