First thing to do is to pretend you are a potential buyer. Drive around the block and check out your neighborhood. Pull up in front of "the" house. Bring a pad of paper and write down everything you would see as an issue if you were buying this home. Correct those items if possible as well as...
EXTERIOR:
- Keep lawn mowed - trees and shrubs trimmed - weeds pulled
- Roll up water hoses neatly
- Ensure roof is free of debris
- Clean gutters and ensure downspouts are extended and working
- Plant annuals for color if you don't have perennials - any shade of yellow works best blended with multiple other colors
- Wash outside of home, windows, storm doors, sidewalks, etc.
- New, plush, welcome matt at door
- Ask neighbors to be outside when you know showings are happening to wave/say hello to prospective buyers
- Paint exterior if needed - trim, doors, etc - again different shades of yellow
- Remove childrens play things from yard to make yard look bigger
- Be sure to clean up any and all pet droppings - remove water bowls, chains, etc.
INTERIOR:
- Remove all clutter, even it means renting storage
- Remove most of your personal items such as pictures of family and replace with art work, flower arrangements etc. Keep a few of your own pictures, most buyers want to see that a "real familly" lives here
- Pack and put it in storage as you go, except for those items necessary for daily life
- Clean all plumping fixtures and sinks so they look new - if unable to clean they should be replaced
- Make sure nothing leaks and everything works
- Fresh coat of paint inside - bright, neutral colors preferred
- If you have lots of wallpaper or busy looking wallpaer - remove it
- Clean bathroom, put up new shower curtains, put new rugs on floor, recaulk tub and sinks and repaint if needed
- Clean carpets/replace carpets if needed
- Make sure wood floors and wood trim is shining and clean
- All windows should open easily and lock
- Windows should be covered with shears so that as much natural light can enter home as possible
- Remove all window coverings, bedspreads, and fixtures you want to keep and replace with something different you don't care about losing
- New doors throughout home or re-paint
- Clean all door knobs until they shine or replace with new
- Ensure no ants/bugs in home
- Get all house information together such as warranties, recent upgrades or fixes and put in an envelope in drawer for new home owners
- Everything should work - if it doesn't, fix it
Now you are ready for showings! Take care to do the following to maximize your selling potential:
- If you smoke,DON'T DO IT IN THE HOUSE!
- Pets should be kept outside as much as possible to avoid odors
- Clean litter boxes daily
- Keep home ready to show at all times
- Do not be home when agent is showing your home
- Turn on all lights for showings
- Take pets with you when showing is scheduled or leave them in a cage
- Empty trash for each showing
- Make sure all beds are made for each showing
- No dishes in sink, nothing on countertops except staging items
- Floors should be vacuumed, mirrors and windows should be clean for each showing
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