Preparing to Sell Your Home
Preparing to Sell Your Home
After making the decision to sell your home, it's very important to objectively evaluate its visual impact. With buyers, first impressions count. A small investment in time and money will give your home an 'edge' over other listings in the area and help you to get top market value.
Although there are many other factors involved, 'Curb Appeal' is key to getting prospective buyers into your home. Here are a few things which will enhance your home's 'Curb Appeal':
  • Paint or touch up exterior paint
  • Replace any cracked windows and/or damaged screens
  • Replace any burnt out light bulbs in outside fixtures
  • Repair any broken doors or fences
  • Repair gutters and eaves troughs 
  • Wash/repair windows
  • Pick up any debris lying in and around your yard
  • Clean out Garage
  • Clear walk and driveway of and debris, leaves or snow
Seasonal:
  • Cut lawn and trim lawn edges
  • Trim Shrubs
  • Weed and edge gardens
  • Re-seed lawn to repair bald spots
  • Colorful flowering plants are a real plus
In addition, heres a list of things to do to increase your home's 'First Impression'. A clean, organized home has much more appeal to buyers:
  • Ensure doorbell is functioning
  • Clean and tidy entrance
  • Paint or retouch interior paint
  • Oil squeaky doors
  • Tighten doorknobs
  • Replace any burnt out light bulbs in fixtures and lamps
  • Repair cracked plaster
  • Repair and leaky faucets and plumbing
  • Shampoo carpets or consider replacing if too worn
  • Organize closets to make them look roomier
  • Eliminate "clutter" from your home. This will create a more spacious feeling.
  • Keep kitchen and bathroom counter tops clean and organized
  • Wash interior and exterior of all kitchen and bathroom cupboards
  • Remove any stains or mildew from tubs, showers, toilets and sinks
  • Repair leaking taps and toilets
  • Repair seals on tub and basin
  • Polish all mirrors and chrome in the house
  • Polish door hardware 
  • Put out guest towels and scented soaps for the showings (i.e. freshen bathrooms)
  • Clean out all appliances (fridge, stove, microwaves, washer, dryer, deep freeze)
  • If you have a pet or smoke, make sure your home is free of all odors
  • Clean and wax all linoleum and hardwood floors. Make sure to include baseboards
  • Clean out basement and attic
  • Have furnace cleaned by professionals