Selling your home is naturally one of the major concerns when relocating. So much depends on it! We’ve put together some tips to help maximize your profit with minimum effort and cost on your part.
Exterior
Maximize your house’s curb appeal; sweep up any trash in the road or sidewalk near your home.
Do not leave any trash cans out.
Get rid of any weeds in your lawn or sidewalk; trim any bushes.
Water your lawn and keep it mowed and trimmed; fertilize to maximize lushness.
Paint your mailbox, fence or any outside fixtures if necessary.
Wash, or consider re-painting, the outside of your house.
Repair any broken windows or screens.
Wash windows and doors. Clean your front door and repaint if necessary.
Repair or replace any roof problems; remove any tree branches or visible debris.
Ensure the doorbell works.
Make sure gutters and downspouts are clean, painted and free of leaves.
If springtime, plant flowers in your front yard.
Have a nice arrangement of outdoor furniture on the patio.
General Interior
Clean or paint all trim, especially around doors.
Clean or paint walls to get rid of smears and fingerprints.
Clean wallpaper and patch up any peeling.
Professionally clean your carpet; wipe and clean hard-surfaced floors.
Repair and even replace any light fixtures, switch plates and outlet covers.
Remove cobwebs from corners, ceiling, behind furniture, on light fixtures.
Shake out your draperies, clean your blinds.
Make sure stairways are clear and hazard-free.
De-clutter your rooms and closets – rent storage space to place stuff, if necessary.
Organize all closets and cupboards. Remove things if necessary to maximize spaciousness.
Repair leaking faucets, running toilets, sticky doors and windows.
Keep noises to a minimum; spray squeaky hinges. Play soft music during showings.
Tighten the hardware on doorknobs, kitchen and cabinets.
If wintertime, light a fire (if applicable) to create warmth.
If springtime, place fresh-cut flowers in vital places.
Eliminate any food, tobacco or pet odors.
Fill the house with good odors such as potpourri, or freshly baking cookies or bread.
Turn on all lights just before showing (even in daytime); open blinds and drapes to maximize brightness in the house.
Arrange to be absent during all showings.
Living Room
Put away photo accessories and knick-knacks – keep attention on your home, not your family.
Remove any extra furniture to maximize spaciousness.
Clean and polish the fireplace and fireplace tools.
Ensure the carpet and rugs look clean; wax hardwood floors with lemon oil.
Dust and clean furniture, windows, trim, light fixtures.
Fill in any holes and cracks with spackle.
Bedrooms
Put attractive bedding sets on the beds.
Dust and clean furniture, windows, trim, light fixtures.
Put away photo accessories and knick-knacks.
Ensure the carpet and rugs look clean; wax hardwood floors with lemon oil.
Fill in any holes and cracks with spackle.
Bathrooms
Remove any stains and mildew from sink, tubs, or shower stalls.
Ensure the caulking around tubs and showers is filled in if necessary.
Mirrors and faucets should be cleaned and polished.
Put attractive towel sets and rugs in the bathroom. Use them for showings only.
Replace shower curtain, toilet seat or towel rack if they look worn or damaged.
Put away all personal care toiletries.
Kitchen – a home’s most important feature
Ensure that all kitchen appliances are in perfect working order.
If any appliances need replacement, remember white is the best color.
Unclutter counter tops. Put away any small appliances.
Purchase new burner pans for your electric range top; the cost is minimal and the look is brand new.
Clean light fixtures.
Clean the oven.
Clean and refinish ceiling if necessary.
Ensure kitchen floor looks pristine – replace linoleum if necessary.
Take magnets and artwork off refrigerator. Keep one or two special ones.
Garage/Basement/Attic
Take any unnecessary items to your storage space.
Place bright lights in all these rooms.
Consider painting walls a bright color.
Ensure there are no evidentiary signs of water damage.
Remove any cobwebs and dust.
Remove any evidence of pests such as mouse and roach traps.
Remove any oil stains in the garage. Keep it stain-free by placing a piece of cardboard under your car if necessary; remove this just before showings.
