Your Home Preparation

How do I prepare my home for sale?

It simply makes sense to clean up both the interior and exterior of your home before listing it for sale. That doesn’t mean you have to undertake major home renovation projects in order to sell your home. With a little effort you can quickly increase the perceived value of your home.

Here are some simple things you can do to increase the perceived value of your home and help make the best first impression.

Exterior of Home

• Keep lawns cut
• Trim Hedges and bushes
• Weed and edge gardens
• Clear driveway
• Clean out garage
• Power wash home exterior
• Touch up paint
• Plant colorful flowers

At the front door

• Clean porch and foyer
• Ensure door bell works
• Repair any broken screens
• Freshly paint the front door
• Repair any damage to door or locks

Setting the right mood

• Make sure your home smells fresh and clean
• Make sure all lights work and put them on for showings
• Open drapes and allow light into your home
• Light the fireplace or woodstove for showings
• Keep the home warm in the winter and cool in the summer

Maximize open space

• Clear halls and stairs of clutter
• Clear kitchen counters and stove top
• Clear closets of unnecessary items
• Remove empty boxes and garbage
• Put away personal photos so the buyers can envision the home as theirs

Maintenance

• Repair leaking taps and toilets
• Clean furnace and filters
• Have woodstoves/fireplaces cleaned
• Tighten door knobs and latches
• Repair cracked plaster or nail holes in drywall
• Apply a fresh coat of paint or touch up where necessary
• Clean and repair windows
• Repair seals around tubs and basins
• Clean grouting in bathrooms
• Oil squeaking doors
• Repair squeaking floor boards

Squeaky Clean Home

• Clean and freshen bathrooms
• Clean fridge and stove
• Clean around heating vents
• Clean washer and dryer
• Clean carpets, drapes and window blinds
• Get rid of cob webs(basement as well)
• Eliminate pet odors and stains