Preparing Your Home for Sale

Outside Your Home

  • Cut, edge and fertilize lawn for lush, finished appearance
  • Trim shrubbery and remove low lying tree limbs
  • Hose off exterior wood, trim, porches, decks and patios
  • Replace downed gutters and downspouts and remove debris
  • Repaint blistered or chipping gutters and trim
  • Repair or replace torn and missing screens
  • Repaint or restain front door for solid first impression

Inside Your Home

  • Kitchen, bathrooms, floors and woodwork are the key - if these are in good condition, you're in good shape
  • Paint only rooms that really look fingerprinted or worn
  • Have carpeting and window treatments cleaned
  • Fix dripping faucets (perhaps only a washer is needed)
  • Replace old caulking around tubs (it's just a tube & putty knife)
  • Spray lubricant on squeaking doors, windows & cabinets
  • If doors stick or folding doors are off track repair them
  • Deodorize, Deodorize, Deodorize
  • Store out-of-season clothes and other clutter out of sight (not in closets); boxes and other items in garage and basement should be stacked neatly against walls to show maximum space
  • Storage is a concern for any prospective buyer; crowded or cluttered closets and other storage areas may accentuate a storage problem - clean and organize these areas
  • Vacuum garage, basement floor and rafters
  • Put away kitchen counter appliances to show maximum space
  • Replace burned out light bulbs and turn on lights for showings
  • Clean windows and open shades to let light in

Remember: You have grown accustomed to your home's glitches. Others may find them cumulatively too much to deal with. Fix 'em.


More FSBO Tips




Atlanta Communities