Tips - How To Prepare Your Home For Sale And For Viewing By Home Buyers

GENERAL

• First and foremost, don’t place your home on the market for sale until you are certain that you are prepared to sell.
• Don’t price your home out of the market when stacked up against comparable homes in your neighborhood.
• A tidy home shows to its best advantage; the first impression is a lasting impression. Not only is it important to present your home to its best advantage to home buyers, but it is equally important to present your home to its best advantage to real estate agents who will be showing your home to prospective buyers; you want the agents to be enthusiastic about your home. Be sure that your home is tidy before your agent holds an open house for other agents to preview your home.
• Pets should be removed from the premises or placed in a secure area.
• Refrain from playing loud music or otherwise creating a disturbing environment.
• Extraneous odors from cooking or from pets should be avoided.

EXTERIOR

• The exterior of your home provides the initial impression of your home that buyers will be exposed to when they drive up to your home.
• Be sure that the exterior areas around the home are tidy and that all exterior furniture is clean.
• Be sure that the lawn and shrubs are neatly manicured.
• Consider re-paving all worn and defective walkways.
• Repair or replace all poorly secured or disconnected rain down spouts and gutters; gutters should be clean.
• Repaint all areas where the paint is peeling or worn; power wash all exterior facades that are not clean or that are mildew covered.
• Be sure that all exterior door handles operate properly and that storm doors have proper door closers.
   

INTERIOR

• Although your home does not have to look like a museum, it should be clean and tidy. Don’t leave toys, etc. scattered about, everything should be in its proper place including items stored in closets.
• Homes that are bright and cheery show better, keep windows shades and curtains open. Lights should be kept on in areas that do not receive enough natural light.
• Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms should sparkle; don’t leave soiled laundry or dishes exposed.
• Consider repainting rooms that are are badly worn, buyers like light and neutral colors.
• Consider replacing badly worn carpeting or flooring.
• Store any very unusual posters, or similar items, that may be offensive to some home buyers; keep in mind that some home buyers may bring children along.
• It is best not to leave jewelry and other small valuable items in an unsecured location.
   

ELECTRICAL

• Be sure to replace all defective light bulbs and electrical switches.
• Be sure to have a licensed electrician remove, repair, or replace all wiring that was not installed by a licensed electrician.
• Find or obtain your Board of Fire Underwriters certificate for the electrical service in your home.
   

PLUMBING

• Be sure to have a plumber repair leaking or defective plumbing faucets. Drains should be clean and free flowing.
• Repair defective bathroom tiling, remove all mildew, and re-grout and re-caulk tile where needed.
• Have a plumber replace badly rusted and corroded plumbing pipes.
   

HEATING AND AIR-CONDITIONING

• Be sure that your heating and air-conditioning systems have been recently serviced; cleaning the systems, and replacing filters is recommended.
• Keep your home at a comfortable temperature level.

Prepare Your Home For Inspection