Getting your home ready to sell can be a big undertaking, especially with all that goes on in our daily activities. The biggest hurdle for some owners is knowing what to do and where to start. This can be difficult depending on what needs to be done, but is manageable if you have a plan to follow. This first step to take is creating a home staging checklist.
Because each of these checklists by themselves are important, we've broken them down into a five part series covering each of the following topic areas, which essentially cover the five basic principles of preparing your home for sale:
- Exterior,
- Repairing,
- Cleaning,
- De-cluttering and Neutralizing, and
- Dramatizing.
First, let's begin with the "exterior". This is the first connection point you have with the buyer and highlights your homes overall appearance and curb appeal. Properly address each of these steps and your well on your way to getting your house ready to sell quickly for the optimal price.
Part 1 - Exterior Checklist
House and Garage
- Power wash the exterior of the house and garage if they are dirty.
- Remove peeling and chipped paint and replace with a fresh coat. If you don't want to paint the whole house, consider giving it a facelift by painting just the trim and doors. A fresh coat of paint will do more to improve the salability of your house than anything else will. Choose neutral colors that are appropriate for your specific neighborhood.
- Put away garden hoses.
- Take down Christmas lights or other decorations if not in season.
- Check that walkway and exterior lights work.
- Keep the gutters and downspouts clean and in good repair.
Patios
- Paint or stain worn areas on wood decks.
- Nail down any loose boards on deck.
- Repair or replace broken pavers on lanai and tiles in pool or spa. Check filter and heater.
- Remove grass growing in concrete cracks.
- Sweep off debris.
- Clean screens and pool cage.
Yard and Landscaping
- Keep garbage cans and recycling containers out of sight.
- Remove any visually distracting lawn ornaments, strollers, and toys.
- Hose down the driveway and sidewalks.
- Keep shrubs and grass well watered and trimmed.
- Remove leaves and debris out of the yard, driveway, sidewalks and landscaping.
- Add fresh wood chips to planting beds and around the trees.
- Remove dead or diseased flowers and plants.
- If sparse, overplant to create an instant lush, flourishing look.
- Prune outside trees to allow natural light inside.
- Service sprinkler system.
Driveway
- Do not park your boat, camper or trailer in the driveway.
- Repair cracked driveways and clean up any grease or oil spots.
- If you have a parked car in the driveway during showings, keep it washed and clean.
Garage
- Park cars away from the house, if possible.
- Use vertical space as much as possible for storage, i.e. stack boxes one on top of one another against one wall. Use as many similar size and color boxes as possible.
- Organize and de-clutter workbench.
Fence
- Repair, paint, or stain as necessary.
- Repair gate if necessary. Oil hinges and latches.
Windows
- Make sure the house and garage windows are spotless - inside and out.
- Hose down window and patio screens.
- Make sure all windows open and close easily.
- Replace cracked windowpanes and those with broken seals.
- Replace or repair any window screens with holes or tears.
- Clear skylight of leaves and other debris.
- Re-caulk as needed.
Front Entry
- Clean or paint the front door and threshold.
- Remove the screen door if it is unattractive.
- Make sure the doorbell operates properly.
- Lubricate any squeaky hinges.
- Install a new mailbox, brass kick plate or house numbers if they are tarnished or worn.
- Add real style to the entry by installing a new light fixture by the front door.
- Wipe down any porch furniture and stair railings.
- Purchase a new coordinating outdoor mat.
- Repair or replace loose or wobbly stair treads or railing.
In part two of our checklist series we will be covering general "repairs". If you have questions or need assistance, please Emal or call us at (813) 968-1414.
* Please contact us if you would like to share this checklist with your clients.
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