Preparing Your Home to Sell

Exterior:

1. Make sure your lawn is mowed and edged.  The first impression a buyer will get of your home is from the outside.  Curb appeal is significant.  If you don’t have the time to keep the lawn mowed and edged, now is the time to hire a service that would benefit you.  This way, you don’t have to worry about ensuring it is always done in time for a buyer to see it or an open house.
2. Trim all the trees and shrubs on your property. If you can’t reach some of your trees or don't have the equipment to trim them, we suggest you hire a landscape company to get them in shape. You can also rent the equipment from a rental company if you prefer to do it yourself.
3. Plant some flowers or display large flower pots.  This is the best way to brighten your yard and enhance that curb appeal. 
4. Sweep and clean all sidewalks and pathways.  Ensure no toys, papers, or outside tools are left in the walkways.
5. Repair and clean all windows.  Replace any broken windows and ensure they are clean for a well-maintained look.
6. Clean all eaves and drain spouts.  Blocked eaves and drain spouts can lead to damage that will cost more than keeping them clean. 
7. Paint exterior areas that need painting.  Peeling or chipped paint should be taken care of for a fresh, well-cared look to your home.
8. Clean or replace door knobs.  The entrance to the home should be perfect, from the finish on the door to the door knob and locks.  They should be replaced if they are dated and can’t be cleaned.  
9. Keep the Garage Door closed. First impressions are essential, and even though the garage is an important space, it should not have the door left open at any time. You also don’t want people to think they should enter through the garage because it is open.

Interior:

1. Remove all family photos, trophies, personal crafts, etc. Personal items such as pictures, trophies with names, homemade crafts, etc., often prevent people from visualizing the home for themselves and distract them from other home features.
2. Remove all “clutter” (e.g., newspapers, boxes, etc.). It will make your home feel bigger. Ensure the counters in the baths and kitchen are clutter-free and papers are put away or in the trash. Dishes should always be done and put away, not left in the sink.
3. Clean all your carpets.  If the carpet needs to be replaced, do so and make sure it is a neutral color.  If it does not need replacing, have it cleaned or do it yourself by renting a carpet cleaning machine.
4. Repair or paint any chipped or dirty walls.  Remember to choose neutral colors when painting your walls; not everyone likes bold colors or blue or red tones.  If all that is needed is to wash the walls, do the entire wall, not just spots.
5. Open doors and windows correctly and efficiently.
6. Repair and minor damages. (i.e., plaster, wallpaper, creaking floorboards, etc.).
7. Add some indoor plants.  Plants add a warm feeling to a home.  Green and flowering plants both work well.

Additional Tips if you are going to have an “OPEN HOUSE”:

1. If possible, keep all pets out of the house. When the home is shown, or an open house is planned, the pets must either be out of the home or in a crate. Even the best Pets can have an off day and bite someone, and many buyers may be afraid of certain pets.
2. Add some fresh flowers in a vase.  Colorful fresh flowers add warmth to a room.
3. Make all the rooms in your house smell good.  If you don’t like to bake fresh cookies, add a cinnamon stick to water and put it in the oven on low for a pleasant smell, or a scented candle always adds a pleasant aroma.
4. Clean and clear all table tops, desks, shelves, etc.  Clutter takes away from the features of the home.
5. Create as much light as possible.  Open all blinds and curtains.  The brighter the home, the better.  Windows must be cleaned, blinds and curtains must be opened, and lights must be on when needed.
6. Add fresh towels to the bathrooms.  New fresh towels and even small soaps in a soap dish add a lot to the bathrooms.
7. Turn off all TVs, computers, etc.  During showings and Open houses, TVs and computers should be off. They tend to distract the buyer.
8. Play soft music in the background. Soft music can relax the buyer's mood throughout the home.
9. Never hold an Open House alone.  You allow strangers into your home, and having another person with you is better.  This person should be another adult, not a child.   Also, always have a cell phone with you, if possible, and an auto-dial button for 911.  When showing the home, always have the buyer enter the room ahead of you so that the exit is never blocked.  If there is a basement in the home, have the lights on and have the buyer go ahead of you, always leaving the exit open if needed.  Open houses can be on any day, not just weekends, but should always be during the day, with hours that end before dark.