check list to getting home ready to sell

 If you are getting ready to sell, here is an easy check list of what to do. 

Make Repairs:

If there is wood rot, broken windows, damaged shingles or other visible damage, then have it repaired.  It's a lot easier to sell a home that is mechanically and physically in shape.  Fixing items before a home inspection also allows the items to be repaired more economically because the seller can make repairs without having to abide by sometime unreasonable repair recommendations.  Buyers also hate to see repair items because they fear the home has not been care for by the sellers.

Cosmetic Items are cheap:

To quote a local handyman:  "A little caulk and paint makes something it ain't." Caulking and painting are some of the least expensive things a seller can do that will have the biggest impact.  It's best to have an experienced person do the work because nothing looks worse than a bad paint job and sloppy caulking.

When you touch up paint, don't use the paints in the garage if they are more than a year old or have been exposed to extreme temperatures.  Take a small sample of the sheet rock skin and go to the local paint store.  If you match the paint carefully you may be able to touch up rather than repaint entire walls.  An experienced person can usually "feather" the new paint so that it softly blends into the old paint.

Curb Appeal:

You never get a second chance to make a first impression:

• Make sure the yard is neatly cut and trimmed, bushes trimmed and beds freshly mulched.
• If the trim needs painted - paint it.
• Remove all screens from front windows - screens gray the windows (clean windows reflect the blue sky and make a house look amazing)
• Wash windows
• Does the house need power washed?  That included gutters - a bright white gutter really makes the house look fresh.
• Make sure your blinds are all evenly opened
• If you have wood steps paint risers white
• Remove bikes, skates, hoses, and other items from the front of the house

Clutter:

If anybody ever thought that selling a house was fun they might need to have their head examined.  While your house is on the market it needs to be in "showing shape."  By this we mean to remove all clutter and to have things neatly put away.

• Reduce the volume of clothes in closets.  Box up seasonal items, throw away old unused hangers, organize clothes and get everything off the floor.
• Don't have rooms "over furnished."  If there is too much furniture a room will look smaller.  Rent a storage unit, use the garage, drop stuff off at the in-laws, but reduce the volume of furniture in the house.
• Make the Kitchen shine by cleaning off countertops, the tops of cabinets, the refrigerator (except your Realtor's magnet) and organize the inside of your cabinets.
• Organize garages, basements and attics to make storage areas look at large as possible.

Cleanliness:

• Have the house professionally cleaned if possible.  Focus on areas that are normally missed on week to week cleanings.
• Clean all baseboards (especially before painting)
• Clean tubs and toilets both inside and out
• Clean all mirrors
• Clean all windows both inside and out
• Clean all vinyl and tile floors
• Vacuum all carpets (have them professional cleaned if needed)
• Clean out fireplace
• Remove any cob webs

Last minute check list:

The house has been cleaned, painted, and clutter reduced.  It's now time for one last look before showings begin.  Here is one last check list of items.

• Are there working lights in all fixtures? Are they the correct wattage?
• Does every room have a light that can be on during showings?
• Are all walkways in the house free of furniture?
• Are there any odors from pets, cooking or smoking (have a unbiased friend or neighbor give you their opinion)
• Are blinds open, heavy curtains tied back to allow light into the room?
• Are the beds made, laundry put away, dishes in the dishwasher and teenagers exiled to the grandparents?
• Is the yard picked up and in order

If everything is done as I've mentioned then at least you have given the home a great chance at selling for the most amount of money in the least amount of time.  As you look at other homes you will notice that most people don't follow this advice, which hopefully is why a buyer will want your home instead of another.