Tips on Selling Your Home Courtesy

of The Valerie Archer Belardo Team of RE/MAX Tri County

Basement, Attic, Garage

Clean out attic, basement and garage and dispose of everything you’re not going to take with you when you move.

Separate items that you won’t need again until after you’ve moved and pack them away neatly in boxes.

Make sure there is plenty of light in the stairway to the basement.

Paint ceilings and walls of basement a light color, if your basement is dark and gloomy.

Repair cracks in basement floor.

Vacuum garage and attic floor and rafters.

Arrange and stack items neatly against walls so areas look larger.

Kitchen

Make kitchen bright and attractive, for it is the most important room in the house.  If it’s dull and dated, paint cabinets and update cabinet hardware.

Clean ventilating hood.

Put down new flooring if floor is badly worn.

Remove excess small appliances, such as toasters, coffee makers and can openers from counters so counters look more spacious.

Make sure the kitchen smells good– like freshly baked cookies or simmering potpourri.

Bathroom

Repair dripping faucets.

Keep towels fresh and neatly folded.

Clean stains from toilets, bathtubs and sinks.

Clean mirrors.

Keep a room deodorizer in bathrooms.

Replace old caulking around tubs.

Living Areas

Have all plaster in top shade.  Cracks, nail pops and visible seams in dry wall are easy to fix.

Check ceilings for leaks and leak stains.  Fix the cause of the damage, repair ceiling and repaint.

Stick to white and neutrals when repainting and decoration.

Clean out fireplace and lay logs in it.

Wash windows and replace or repair any broken windows or screens.

Make sure all windows will open and close easily.

Replace burned out light bulbs, make certain all light are switches working and make sure all bulbs are at least 60 watts.

Make floor shine and repair the cause of creaking boards or stair treads.

Straighten up closets; get rid of excess items and store out of season clothes so closets look larger.

Use room deodorizers to eliminate musty odors.

Outside

Make sure lawn is well manicured, shrubs are neatly clipped and walks and                porches/decks are swept clean.  The grounds make a crucial first impression.

Invest in new landscaping (only in high visible areas).

Cut back over-grown shrubbery that looks scraggly or keeps light out of the house.

Paint your house if necessary.  A well maintained exterior does more for sales appeal that any other factor.  At least paint windows, shutters and trim if exterior looks dull or shabby.

Make sure walks are free of snow and ice in winter.

Inspect the roof and gutters.  Clean out badly clogged gutters and replace worn or missing roofing shingles.

Repaint the front door if necessary and put a pot of flowers or some other attractive touch by the front door.

Repair any broken steps or sidewalks.

SPECIFIC TIPS FOR OUTSIDE

TIP #1

Move all garbage cans, discarded wood scraps and extra building materials.

TIP #2

Check the gutters on the roof.

TIP #3

Check for termites or other insect problems.

TIP #4

Look at the bushes and trees.

TIP #5

Weed all planting areas and groom the lawn.

TIP #6

Clear patio or decks of all small items.

TIP #7

Check the paint conditions of the house– especially the front door and trim.

TIP #8

Finish any unfinished projects.

TIP #9

Go completely around the whole property.

SPECIFIC TIPS FOR INSIDE

TIP #1

Clean away all unnecessary objects throughout the house.

TIP #2

Rearrange dining room furniture to create more space.

TIP #3

Clear away unnecessary objects from kitchen counter tops.

TIP #4

Remove all unnecessary items in bathroom.

TIP #5

Rearrange furniture if necessary.

TIP #6

Take down or rearrange pictures or other objects on the wall.

TIP #7

Paint any rooms that need it.

TIP #8

Clean carpets or drapes.

TIP #9

Clean all windows.

TIP #10

Take care of any odors.

TIP #11

Clean the fireplace.