Enhance your home’s value

Now that you’ve decided to sell your home, there’s lots to do to get it ready to show! Fully preparing your home for sale can make a considerable difference in the time it takes to sell it and the price you’re able to sell it at. You can help eliminate buyer objections before they arise by making necessary repairs and improvements, some of which are suggested below. Also be sure to visit our Home Improvement Center for more ideas.

Preparing the outside of your home

If the outside of your home isn’t attractive and inviting, potential buyers will have no desire to even view the inside of the home. Stand back and take an objective look at your home, or have an honest friend help you see what needs to be changed.

• Spruce up your garden and lawn; trim shrubbery and trees, and replace dead plants.
• Yard and patio should be neat, sturdy, and repainted if necessary; outdoor furniture should be arranged, clean and in good shape.
• Tidy up the walkway, make sure it is free of snow, leaves or un-kept grass.
• Clean or paint your front door and entry; sweep away leaves and cobwebs; if your doorbell is broken, replace it.
• Manicure your front yard; make sure your driveway and entryway are free of clutter.
• Clean out and weed flower beds; make sure there is a distinct border between the beds and the yard.
• Consider planting some colorful flowers in your flower beds or in flower pots on the porch.
• Check that house numbers, mailbox and exterior lighting are all in good condition.
• Touch up with fresh paint as needed.
• Inspect chimney for cracks or damage.
• Repair loose trim, drain pipes and fencing.
• Clean stains and window screens.
• Remove clutter and tidy up the shelves in your garage.
• Clean the garage floor.
• Park stored vehicles (cars, RVs, etc.) elsewhere.

Preparing the inside of your home

Living Areas

• Apply fresh paint as needed; think about brightening your interiors with neutral-toned paint.
• Clean draperies and carpets.
• Replace burned out light bulbs.
• Clean the fireplace and remove smoke stains from the wall and mantle.
• Wash walls, windows and light fixtures; consider replacing outdated fixtures.
• Liquid Gold all trim and wood surfaces.
• Tighten loose stair railings.
• Rearrange or remove furniture to make your rooms look more spacious.
• Pack away knick-knacks from end and coffee tables - one or two items per surface is plenty.

Kitchen

• Sinks, appliances and counter tops should sparkle; remove any clutter.
• Wax the floor.
• Clean the oven, range and other appliances.
• Clean tile and grout; replace if necessary.
• Replace chrome burner plates on the range.
• Scrub floors and walls; repaint if necessary.
• If you have limited counter space in the kitchen, be sure to keep unnecessary items put away.

Bathrooms

• Clean mirrors, glass, chrome and porcelain surfaces. Replace shower curtain if necessary.
• Fix any faucet drips or leaks.
• Clean grout and caulking; replace if necessary.

Closets

• Doors and drawers should open and close easily.
• Remove clutter; tidy up shelves and racks - they should look as though they have enough room to hold additional items.
• Get everything off the floor and don’t have the shelves piled to the ceiling.
• Shoes and clothes should be neatly arranged.

Miscellaneous

• Check the basics around the house - it takes just a minute to check all doors, windows and cabinets to make sure they don’t stick, squeak or are too loose.
• Remove stains and mineral deposits from furnaces, even dust/wash off the furnace and hot water heater.
• Dust/wash off lint from washer and dryer.
• Do everything you can to brighten the interior: Replace dim bulbs with bright ones, replace wallpaper with off-white paint, repaint shabby or dark walls.
• Replace broken windows and window seals.
• Get the teenagers and children to understand the importance of keeping the house looking good while it is on the market; take down the posters until the house.
• Make sure that the pull-down staircase is screwed together and strong enough to be used safely. Be sure there is a light in the attic.
• Tell your friends that your home is for sale. You never know where the buyer will come from.
• Rent a storage unit if need be to take out extra furniture and items. This helps to de-clutter and makes your home appear larger!

Preparing your home for showings

• Pick up every room; check counters, floors, closets, halls, stairs, and make beds.
• Remove clutter; straighten or remove newspapers, magazines, mail, toys, clothing, recreation gear, snack glasses and dishes.
• Turn on lights, even during the day; don’t forget halls, closets, utility rooms, and dark areas. If it happens to be night, be sure that all of your outdoor lights are on, especially landscape and pool lights if you have them. Consider turning on lamps in a room, for a more inviting feeling.
• Open the blinds, drapes, and window shades.
• Clean up the kitchen; Clear all counters, wipe down counter and appliances, put all dishes in the dishwasher. Clean the sink and run the disposal. It’s best to smell fresh or like chocolate chip cookies were just baked. Take out the trash, if needed.
• Clean the bathroom; straighten wash cloths and towels, even replace with fresh, attractive ones if possible. Clean and wipe down counters and sinks. Air out if mist lingers from a recent shower. Must smell fresh, not like deodorant.
• During winter, maintain a comfortable temperature.
• Open doors between rooms.
• Turn your stereo and television off.
• Don’t volunteer information to prospective buyers. If they ask you a question, answer it truthfully or refer them to your agent for an answer.
• Clean up children’s toys out of the front yard and off the sidewalks and front porch.
• Remove or confine pets. People may have allergies or be afraid of them.
• Leave. Buyers talk and look more freely when you are gone, they feel like intruders and are uncomfortable when you are there.
• When you leave the house in the morning or during the day, please leave it as if you know it is going to be shown.