| Preparing Your Home |
| With buyers, first impressions count. A small investment with time and money will give your home an edge over other listings in the area when the time comes to show it to a prospective buyer. Here are some suggestions that will help you to get top market value. |
First Impression
- Clean and tidy entrance
- Functional doorbell
- Polish door hardware
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General Maintenance
- Oil squeaky doors
- Tighten doorknobs
- Replace burned out lights
- Clean and repair windows
- Touch up chipped paint
- Repair leaking taps and toilets
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Spic and Span
- Shampoo carpets
- Clean washer, dryer and tubs
- Clean furnace
- Clean fridge and stove
- Clean and freshen bathrooms
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Curb Appeal
- Cut lawns
- Trim shrubs and lawns
- Weed and edge gardens
- Pick up any litter
- Clear walk and driveway of any leaves
- Repair gutters and eaves
- Touch up exterior paint
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The Spacious Look
- Clear stairs and hallways
- Store excess furniture
- Clear counters and stove
- Make closets neat and tidy
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The Buying Atmosphere
- Be absent during showings
- Turn on all lights
- Keep pets outdoors
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| Showing Your Home |
| Now that your preparing your home to sell, here is a checklist to help you prepare your home for its prospective buyers. When adhered to, these hints will present your home in its most positive and saleable condition helping to create a positive emotional response from buyers. |
- Turn on all lights including closets, garage and even the range hood light.
- Replace all low wattage light bulbs with the highest wattage you can, because a brighter home appears large and cleaner.
- Wash all glass/crystal light fixtures.
- Dust and vacuum all rooms.
- Clean and dust baseboards.
- Sweep the front porch and the patio/deck; remove snow when necessary.
- Polish house numbers, doorknobs and kick plates.
- Clean the front door, repaint if necessary.
- Mulch all landscape beds and plant fresh, colorful flowers.
- Open all curtains and mini blinds -- let the light in!
- Adjust furnace or A/C settings to a comfortable temperature (warm and cozy in the winter; cool and crisp in the summer).
- Sweep out the garage.
- Light candles or use a VERY light deodorizer/potpourri.
- A lemon down the disposal will freshen it up.
- Do not runn appliances during showings.
- Rent a storage unit for all uneeded furniture.
- If possible, take pets with you or put them in a cage outside during showings.
- Pick up all "clutter" that tends to accumulate on tables and desks.
- Remove personal pictures and any items that are tacked to the refrigerator.
- Light a fire in the fireplace when applicable.
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