Preparing Your Home For Sale

EXTERIOR

• The exterior of your home provides the initial impression of your home that buyers will be exposed to when they drive up to your home.
• Be sure that the exterior areas around the home are tidy and that all exterior furniture is clean.
• Be sure that the lawn and shrubs are neatly manicured.
• Consider re-paving all worn and defective walkways.
• Repair or replace all poorly secured or disconnected rain down spouts and gutters; gutters should be clean.
• Repaint all areas where the paint is peeling or worn; power wash all exterior facades that are not clean or that are mildew covered.
• Be sure that all exterior door handles operate properly and that storm doors have proper door closers.
   

INTERIOR

• Although your home does not have to look like a museum, it should be clean and tidy. Don’t leave toys, etc. scattered about, everything should be in its proper place including items stored in closets.
• Homes that are bright and cheery show better, keep windows shades and curtains open. Lights should be kept on in areas that do not receive enough natural light.
• Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms should sparkle; don’t leave soiled laundry or dishes exposed.
• Consider repainting rooms that are are badly worn, buyers like light and neutral colors.
• Consider replacing badly worn carpeting or flooring.
• Store any very unusual posters, or similar items, that may be offensive to some home buyers; keep in mind that some home buyers may bring children along.
• It is best not to leave jewelry and other small valuable items in an unsecured location.
   

ELECTRICAL

• Be sure to replace all defective light bulbs and electrical switches.
• Be sure to have a licensed electrician remove, repair, or replace all wiring that was not installed by a licensed electrician.
• Find or obtain your Board of Fire Underwriters certificate for the electrical service in your home.
   

PLUMBING

• Be sure to have a plumber repair leaking or defective plumbing faucets. Drains should be clean and free flowing.
• Repair defective bathroom tiling, remove all mildew, and re-grout and re-caulk tile where needed.
• Have a plumber replace badly rusted and corroded plumbing pipes.
   

HEATING AND AIR-CONDITIONING

• Be sure that your heating and air-conditioning systems have been recently serviced; cleaning the systems, and replacing filters is recommended.
• Keep your home at a comfortable temperature level.
• If conditions do not require heating or cooling, keeping your home safely ventilated is a good idea.