SELLING PREPARATION
Do you want to get Top Market Value for your home?
Prepare Your Home for Showings
With buyers, first impressions count! A small investment in time and money will give your home an edge over other listings in the area when the time comes to show it to a prospective buyer!
Here are a few suggestions to help you get top market value:
The First Impression
- Clean and tidy entrance
- Have a functional doorbell
- Polish door hardware
- Clean & paint, if necessary, the front door
- Door hardware should open operating flawlessly
Spic & Span
- Shampoo carpet
- Clean washer, dryer and tubs
- Clean fridge and stove
- Clean & freshen bathrooms
- Wash all windows & mirrors
- Clean heating/cooling vents, giving special attention to cold air returns
The Spacious Look
- Clean stairs and hallways
- Store excess furniture
- Clear counters & stove
- Make closets neat & tidy
- Consider removing drapes to brighten home
- Move items that impede entry or clear sight into any room
- Identify items that will not be moved to the next home
& get rid of them now - If the interior is painted, replace electrical plates and
sockets with new ones
General Maintenance
- Oil squeaky doors
- Tighten doorknobs
- Replace light bulbs of fixtures with the maximum wattage allowable
- Clean and repair windows
- Touch up chipped paint
- Repair cracked plaster
- Repair all dripping faucets & toilets
- Clean grouting & tub caulking
- Exterior painting should be done, if required
Curb Appeal
- Cut lawns
- Trim shrubs and edge gardens
- Pick up any litter
- Repair gutters and eaves
- Apply fresh mulch
- Clear walks and drive of leaves
- Plow drive and salt sidewalks (if applicable)
The Buying Advantage
- Be absent during showings
- Turn on all lights
- Light fireplace
- Open drapes in the day time
- Play quiet background music
- Keep pets outdoors
- Open blinds & raise shades
- A special touch: set the dining room table for dinner