Great Tips for Preparing Your Home for Sale

Exterior:

• Clean up all around the house. Remove any debris – wood, toys, or unnecessary items lying around the yard.
• Trim all hedges and shrubbery away from the house. Keep all gardens edged and mulched.
• Keep your lawn mowed, edged, free of weeds, and in good condition – a green lawn makes a huge difference.
• Plant some color by the front door or porch/patio area with potted plants/flowers.
• Keep them watered and in excellent condition.
• Clean your gutters, downspouts and roof.
• Wash/power wash siding, paths and driveways.
• Clean/wash all windows, shutters, and garage doors (exterior/interior).
• Clean/wash outdoor light fixtures. Replace light bulbs.
• Paint/touch-up areas in need of repair.
• Wash patio furniture, grill and pool equipment (if you have a pool)
• Stage an outdoor space to suggest that you enjoy outside leisure activities.
• Clean or replace mailbox.
• Check for leaky faucets.
• Clean garage - remove all clutter and organize it try to make it as spacious as possible.
• Hang up bikes etc. Make room for your cars.
• Keep trash area clean and organized.
• Check/repair all screens, shutters, awnings, door hardware and that the doorbell is working

Interior:

• Clean all clutter from each closet, drawer, cabinet or cupboard in every room try to remove half of what you have - less is more. Make sure that the remaining contents are neatly organized.
• Make each room as spacious as possible. Store unnecessary items toys, books, furniture, knick-knacks, clothes etc. or donate them to charity, like Good Will.
• This is a good time to clean your house it will be much easier to get organized now rather than later when that final moving day arrives.
• Take down/remove numerous personal photos, pictures, portraits, posters and awards – de-personalize each room.
• You don’t want buyers distracted you want them to imagine their own photos on the walls. Remember to patch nail and screw holes touch up paint or repaint the wall(s).
• Keep all drapes open and remove/replace if need be. 
• Thoroughly clean the kitchen – remove all clutter from the counter tops, cabinets (sort through can goods/dry food etc. you’ll be surprised what you find).
• All appliances should be sparkly clean inside and out and in good working order. Remove clutter from refrigerator door.
• Clean tile grout, re-caulk if needed. Tighten or replace loose doorknobs, cabinet pulls, and sticking doors, drawers, and wobbly hinges. Repair leaky faucets or clogged drains. Clean and deodorize vents and exhaust hoods.
• Clean bathrooms interior and exterior (if you have one). Remove stains, mold from tubs, showers and sinks; clean grout. Clean mirrors and chrome/brass fixtures.
• Check for leaky faucets and clogged drains. Put out fresh soap and towels that match your bathroom décor. Replace shower curtain (if you have one) or make sure that the glass shower door is sparkly clean. 
• Wash windows and glass doors/cabinets.
• Inspect entire home and touch up paint or repaint, walls, ceilings, trim, doors and cabinets.
• Make sure to change all light bulbs – keep lights on during showings, even during the day.
• Front foyer – as this is usually the first point of entry into your home make sure prospective buyers are greeted with style and grace. You have only one chance to make a good first impression.
• Make sure you or your guests DON’T SMOKE in your home.
• Put away all mail and store valuables or anything you do not want prospective buyers to see in a safe place. Please don’t stuff these items in drawers or cabinets as these can be easily opened.