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