To prepare your home for sale

1. Start with your lawn.

• Is the lawn trimmed and edged?
• Are the flower beds clear of leaves, weeds and grass?
• Do the flower beds have adequate flowers, bark or mulching?
• Are all outdoor fixtures in good condition: gas grill, outdoor lights, mailbox, fencing, basketball hoops, etc.?
• Are there any bare spots in the lawn, big holes, ruts, or weeds that can be repaired?
• Does the lawn have a manicured look?
• If it is winter, be sure and remove the snow and ice from the sidewalks and steps.

2. Then look at your front door area

• Is the front door clean?
• Does the doorbell work?
• Is the storm door in good condition?
• Is the front step or porch in good condition?

3. How does the interior look?

• Are the walls clean or do they look like they need a fresh coat of paint?
• Consider removing any wallpaper that is not neutral and limits decorating potential.
• Are there any nail holes in the walls?
• Should the ceiling be textured to cover any flaws?
• Are the switch plates clean?

4. Are the windows clean?

• Open your drapes and blinds before showings for lots of natural light.
• Make sure your window coverings are clean.

5. Your kitchen must be clean to get top dollar...

• Make sure the interior of the oven, the stove top and the dishwasher are stain free.
• Clear the cabinets of extra items and make sure the interiors and exteriors are clean.
• Countertops should be clean and free of clutter
• Baking soda is good for removing stains from the countertops.

6. The bathrooms are very important...

• The shower doors, ceramic tile and grouting should be clean and free of soap film.
• The fixtures should be polished and free of water marks.
• The toilet seat should be in good condition. If not, replace it.
• Make sure the exhaust fan is working property.

7. Make all of your rooms appear large...

• Remove excess furniture from a room that appears cramped.
• Pick up newspapers, toys, and other articles prior to showings.
• Make sure the stairway is clear.

8. Your closets should look roomy...

• The closets should be neat and organized.
• Wall surfaces should be clean. Do they need paint?
• The shelving and hardware should be in good repair.
• Closet doors should operate smoothly and quietly.

9. All around the house...

• Check the basement, garage and other areas for excess items.
• Eliminate damp smell in the basement or crawl space. A bag of limestone should help.
• Brighten dark walls with a coat of paint.
• Make sure all of the light bulbs work.
• Window areas should be clean and the windows should operate properly.
• Floor coverings should be clean and look new to get top dollar. If your carpets are old, consider replacing them.
• Steps and handrails should be in good repair.
• If you have a sump pump, the pit should be clean and the pump should be in good condition.

10. How about the major appliances...

• The furnace filter should be clean.
• The exterior of the water heater, furnace and water softener should be clean.
• All kitchen appliances should work properly.
• Does the garage door opener work properly? Is it quiet?

11. Minor flaws suggest that the property has been neglected to the prospect...

• Make sure the screen doors close tightly.
• If you have a storage shed, is it in good repair?
• Is the driveway in good condition?
• How about the gutters and downspouts? Are they in good shape?
• Has the roof reached the end of it's useful life?
• Are hardwood and vinyl floors in good shape.

12. Invite us to your home and we will give you a fair opinion of your homes market potential.