Preparing Your Home

You can significantly influence the selling price of your property by preparing before putting it on the market. Here are some suggestions to improve a buyer's first impression of your home. Print this out and use it as a reference. 

General 
  • Remove clutter
  • Remove cobwebs from ceilings and corners
  • Remove paint splash on floor and cabinets
  • Clean and polish door hardware and handrails
  • Clean wall switches and outlet covers
  • Clean and tidy basement and attic storage
  • Add plants and flowers throughout the house
House Exterior 
  • Sealed driveway
  • Weed-free driveway and walkways
  • Healthy, weed-free, and trimmed lawn
  • Trees and shrubs trimmed
  • Wash front steps and porch
  • Check front doorbell and bell light
  • Clean or replace welcome mat
  • Repair and repaint fences and gates
  • Clean gutters and downspouts
  • Clean or repaint siding
  • Wash windows and screens
  • Clean shutters
Living, Family, Dining Rooms 
  • Repaint or touch up walls, ceiling and trim
  • Repair or replace damaged moulding
  • Clean and wax hardwood and vinyl floors
  • Shampoo carpet
Bedrooms
  • Repaint or touch up walls, ceiling and trim
  • Clean drapes and bedspread
  • Shampoo carpet
  • Clean out all closets
  • Clear all bedroom furniture
  • Put away all clothing
Bathrooms
  • Paint or wallpaper using light colors
  • Scrub tile, bleach, and repair grout
  • Check to see that drawers/doors open easily
  • Clean floor
  • Clean out medicine cabinet
  • Seal around tubs and showers
  • Replace old toilet seats
  • Replace shower window curtains
  • Put out a set of color coordinated bath linens
Kitchen
  • Paint or wallpaper walls and ceiling with light color
  • Clean floor
  • Clean cabinets and appliances
  • Clean out refrigerator and wash interior
  • Empty dishwasher and clean around controls
  • Check operation of all appliances
  • Arrange and clean food storage areas
  • Clean out cabinets and drawers
  • Neatly display dishes in cabinets
  • Clear clutter from counter tops
  • Check to see that drawers/doors open easily
  • Wash or replace curtains
Laundry
  • Check operation of appliances
  • Clean all appliances
  • Clean and organize laundry area
  • Provide adequate light to area
Garage
  • Check operation of wall sockets
  • Remove oil and grease from floor
  • Clean and organize storage
  • Maintain noisy garage door opener