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 final walk-through with your agent to make sure that no details have been overlooked. Here’s a list of tips that will help 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 & all
walkway lights and front door lanterns work.
Remove any moss from the roof.
Yard
Mow and trim grass; 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 flowerbeds.
Patio
Paint or stain worn areas in wood decks.
Remove grass growing in concrete cracks;
sweep off debris from shrubs and trees.
Clean all fencing and make sure it’s 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 secured.
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 & 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.
Kitchens
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 like 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
Remove any signs of previous water
penetration or dampness.
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.
Hide or 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 bathrooms.
At night, turn on porch light and outdoor
lighting. Buyers often drive by homes they are
considering at various times of day.
Showing Your Home
Once your home is ready to show, your Windermere agent will begin marketing it to potential buyers and other sales associates. If possible, leave the home when buyers are present so they feel comfortable asking their agent candid questions. Other helpful tips include:
Remove pets. Take them with you or keep
them penned in the yard or garage.
Open shades and curtains to let in light. Turn
on enough lights so the home is well lit.
Remove clutter from tables and bookshelves.
Neatness makes rooms seem larger.
Keep money and other valuables, as well as
prescription drugs, out of sight.
Keep radios and TVs off, or on a low volume.
Put away items in the yard like garden tools,
bicycles and toys. Light a fire in the fireplace to
create a cozy atmosphere. Grind up part of a
lemon in the disposal to add a fresh smell to
the kitchen.
