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What do I need to do to get my home ready for sale?
Prior to Listing Checklist:
- General Interior of House:
Cracks in walls repaired
Touch-up or re-paint
Leaks Repaired
Watermarks covered
Floors cleaned or refinished
All closets cleaned
Lights operating
Wallpaper secured
Window coverings clean
Carpets steam cleaned - Basement:
No evidence of water penetration
Dampness removed
Cold water pipes covered
Sump pump installed
No musty odors
Drains cleared
Furnace cleaned
Storage neatly arranged
Excess storage removed
Floor swept
Handrail secure - Patios:
Wood stained or painted
Fencing secure - Front Door:
Newly painted
Doorbell operating
Door brass polished
Hinges oiled - Bathrooms:
Sink stains removed
Leaky faucets repaired
Grouting stains removed
All joints caulked
Missing tiles replaced
All fixtures operating
New shower curtain - Driveway:
Resurfaced
Potholes patched
Recently sealed - Living & Family Room:
Furniture positioned to show space - General Exterior of House
Paint or touch-up house paint
Gutters recently cleaned
Missing shingles replaced - Lawn:
Lawn in good condition - Kitchen:
Sink free of stains
No dripping faucets
Appliances in working order
Pantry neatly arranged
Freezer defrosted - Windows:
Windows operating freely
Cracked window replaced
Windows washed - Trees/Shrubs:
Dead branches pruned
Dead shrubs replaced
Overgrown shrubs pruned
Prior to all showings checklist:
- General:
Open window coverings
Remove clutter
Vacuum floors
Clear & wipe counters
Snow removed from driveway
Snow removed from walkways
All lights turned on
Fresh flowers - Bedrooms:
Beds made
Laundry put away
Floor free from clutter - Bathrooms:
Guest towels out
Trash removed
Toilet clean
Counters clear and clean - Lawn:
Lawn mowed recently
Beds weeded & edged - Kitchen:
Clear & wipe counters
Take out trash
Remove all clutter - Dining Room:
Set table for guests
Show Time!
If you are a seller, think like a buyer. Is your home as presentable as it can be?
People often start forming their opinion even before they walk in the front door. Once they’re in your home, it only takes about two minutes to form a lasting opinion about it.
Follow these steps for your house to look its best for broker previews, buyer showings and open houses. Home enhancements can more than pay for themselves by encouraging stronger offers from buyers. Remember; look at your house through the buyers’ eyes.
First Steps
- Clean windows, walls and bathrooms
- Paint walls in need of a fresh coat
- Fix worn woodwork
- Create look of large storage areas and utility spaces by removing unnecessary items and neatly organizing kitchen cup boards, bathroom cabinets, garage, basement and attic
- Make closets appear adequate by properly hanging clothes and placing shoes, hats and other items in an orderly fashion; remove items if necessary
- Spend a few hours fixing up things that could potentially detract from your home’s value; i.e., prospective buyers see dripping faucets and think you home has faulty plumbing
- Fix loose doorknobs, sticking drawers, warped cabinet doors, holes in screens, windows that don’t work etc.
- Make sure your appliances work
Maintain for each showing
- Exterior of home should have ‘curb appeal’
- Keep lawn mowed and edged, shrubs trimmed, flower bed cultivated.
- Sweep or remove snow and ice from the walkway
- Pick up lawn tools, toys and newspapers
- Clean up after pets
Interior
- Pick up toys and shoes
- Make beds and put clothes away
- Tidy up bathrooms; set out ‘show’ towels
- Do a quick dusting
- Give carpets a once-over with the vacuum; straighten rugs
- Empty wastebaskets
Atmosphere
- Open drapes and shades and turn on all lights to make your house look light and bright; open windows to freshen rooms
- Set a comfortable temperature; cool in summer, warm in winter
- Turn off television; play soft background music
- Keep pets out of the way; make sure all pet areas including little box are clean and free of odor; use air freshener if necessary
Added Touches
- Prepare tables with flowers and place settings; set out game or coffee table book
- Start a fire in your fireplace on a chilly day
- Create pleasant aroma with fresh baked cookies or bread
Special Tips for Showings
- Secure jewelry, cash, prescription medications and other valuables
- It is usually best if you can leave while your house if being shown; if you’re home, don’t follow the sales associates around-they know their buyers and can best emphasize the most fitting features of your home. Please save all business cards of sales associates who show your property. If people who are not accompanied by an agent ask to see your property please refer them to us; we will pre-screen them
- Don’t discuss price, terms, possession or other factors with buyers. Refer them to us. We are better able to bring the negotiation to a favorable conclusion as intermediary third parties. It is also not a good idea to try to dispose of furniture to a prospect before an offer; again leave that to us
Information source: Information and Real Estate Services, LLC. Provided for limited non-commercial use only under IRES Rules. © Copyright IRES.