Deciding to sell can be demanding. I am committed to making the sale of your home quick, easy, and profitable. Here’s a checklist to help you get started:
Declutter
In preparation for staging your home and moving out, it’s never too soon to start weeding out your possessions. Throw out, recycle, give away, or sell the things that you don’t want to move. Decide what to take with you: You will also need to decide what will be included in the sale before you start showing your home. For example, If you want to take your washer and dryer with you, even your fireplace logs, tell your Realtor so it can be clearly disclosed to the buyers before negotiations start.
SELLERS DISCLOSURE
Sellers are obligated to disclose any major problems or flaws in the structure or property, such as dry rot, termites, asbestos, foundation, water penetration, roof problems, repairs done, or a new highway slated to run nearby. Not having proper disclosure like failing to mention the leaky roof can subject you to a lawsuit for fraud.
GET THE HOUSE SHOWCASE READY
Small cosmetic touches can increase your home’s value by thousands.
Suggested Interior Improvements
- Paint, paint, paint: It doesn’t cost much but goes a long way to improving your home’s appeal inside and out. Neutral colors appeal to most people and are your safest bet.
- Fix running toilets, if any of sinks or bathtubs drain slowly unclog them, fix leaky faucets
- Does the house look clean and smell fresh and clean?
- What needs to be done to make it more appealing?
- Does the entryway or foyer need paint?
- Is the floor covering in the entryway in need of repair?
- Does the carpeting need to be replaced or cleaned?
- Are drapes cleaned and pressed?
- Have the fireplace and hearth been cleaned?
- Are there scuff marks or fingerprints on walls?
- Does kitchen floor covering require repair?
- Does bathroom floor covering require repair?
- Do closet doors open and close easily?
- Are kitchen appliances clean and shiny?
- Are kitchen counters free of clutter?
- Are windows clean?
- Are blinds dusted?
- Are plumbing fixtures polished?
- Are fingerprints removed from halls and stairways?
- Have stains been removed from sinks?
- Have the oven and range been thoroughly cleaned?
- Is tile scrubbed and re-grouted if necessary?
- Are closets neat, organized, clutter-free?
- Has clutter been removed from halls and stairways?
- Has the garage been cleared of junk and debris?
- Do lights and switches require repair?
- Are the attic and basement free of clutter?
- Are doorknobs tight and working?
- Is the entire house free of unpleasant odors?
Suggested Exterior Improvements
- Painting: Touch up your house’s exterior paint, and paint or clean the front door.
- Lawn: Keep your lawn freshly mowed and neatly trimmed.
- Sidewalks: Sweep your sidewalks daily.
- Shrubbery: Remove or replace any dead or dying trees, hedges, or shrubs; prune anything that looks unsightly or overgrown.
- Flowers: Filling flowerbeds with seasonal flowers is an inexpensive way to add color and charm.
- Repairs: Be sure that all gutters and downspouts are in place and clean. Replace missing roof shingles and broken or cracked windows.
- Make sure the garage door is greased and working properly and the house address numbers are easily visible.
Staging Tips
- Here are some staging tips that you can use to increase your house appeal.
- Bathrooms: Always have fresh towels in bathrooms. Buy new shower curtains; old ones are usually spotted with mildew. Put new soap in the soap dishes.
- Clear everything off your refrigerator: Most folks use magnets to stick everything from vacation snapshots and finger-painting masterpieces. Create a clean slate.
- Comfort: Keep your house warm in the winter and cool in the summer. A house that’s too hot or too cold isn’t inviting.
- Flowers: Vases of colorful, fresh flowers throughout the house make a wonderful impression on prospective buyers.