Below is a quick checklist that will help you prepare your home for sale. Focus on the exterior of the house first because if that doesn't attract buyers, they won't even walk in the front door. Do the inexpensive fixes first. You can always negotiate with the buyer on the more expensive repairs at the time of sale.
| EXTERIOR | INTERIOR |
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| Front Yard | Remove Clutter |
- Clear toys and yard equipment from lawn
- Mow and water lawn
- Weed yard and garden
- Prune trees and bushes so they don't touch house
- Plant colorful flowers
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- Remove excess furniture
- Remove excess collectibles
- Remove excess artwork and photographs
- Clean out closets and cabinets
- Clean out garage and basement
- Clear counter and tabletops
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| Front Entrance | Clean House |
- Clean entryway
- Repaint or replace front door
- Fix broken windows, shutters, screens
- Polish door handles, address numbers, light fixtures
- Replace worn or broken items
- Replace burnt out bulbs
- Replace welcome mat
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- Wash all windows and floors
- Clean appliances
- Scrub bathroom
- Remove carpet stains
- Shampoo carpets
- Remove cobwebs from ceiling corners
- Clean fireplace
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| Look High and Low | Make Necessary Repairs |
- Remove debris from roof and gutters
- Inspect and clean chimney
- Repair/replace worn shingles
- Wash or paint exterior if needed
- Clean, paint and align gutters and downspouts as needed
- Clean grease and old spills from driveway
- Check foundation for cracks and repair
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- Caulk windows, tubs, showers, sinks
- Make sure toilets and faucets work well
- Install new carpeting if needed
- Touch up or repaint walls neutral color
- Replace switches and outlets that don't work
- Replace burnt out bulbs
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| Back Yard | Remove Odors |
- Remove gardening equipment
- Clean outdoor grill, barbeque and lawn furniture
- Repair missing deck slats, screens, concrete patio cracks
- Store items that make yard look cluttered
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- Shampoo carpets
- Clean or replace drapes
- Wash pets
- Clean litter box
- Remove mildew
- Add fresh scent like potpourri
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| Outdoor Waterworks |
- Make sure sprinkler system and faucets operating properly
- Clean and repair pumps and filters for swimming pool, Jacuzzi®, and outdoor showers
- Clean ponds and fountains
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When you're finished, walk out to the street and take a look at your home.
If you were a buyer, does it invite you in for a closer look?Preparing to Market Your Home
Once your home is ready to show, you'll want to prepare to market it, get buyers in the door and close the sale. A few minutes spent here can make a big difference.
- Create an online FSBO listing to generate foot traffic.
- Photos are important. Add as many photos as possible so potential buyers can feel as if they are walking through your property.
- Write a full description of your home including as much detail as possible – you can use it online and on your flyers.
- Print flyers and post them outside your home in a clear weatherproof brochure box.
- Price your home right. A valuation report based on comparable sales can save time and money in a changing market.
- Consider adding your home to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Homes in the MLS are exposed to over 80% of buyers looking to purchase a home. Featuring property in the MLS can ensure maximum exposure to anyone wanting to sell real estate.
- Have real estate forms on hand to accept an offer and complete the sale of your home. When selling or buying real estate it is very important, and required in most states, to have properly executed written agreements.
Good Luck! |
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