 Dispose of everything
you are not going to move. |
Pack all items you won’t
be needing until after the move and
arrange neatly, so the exterior walls can be inspected. |
Basement and attic stairways
should be well-lighted & free from
clutter. |
Increase bulb wattage
on stairways and in basement, attic and
garage. |
| Basement and attic handrails
must be secure. |
If basement is dark
& gloomy, consider painting ceilings and
walls a light color. |
| Sweep floor of garage;
remove any stains and dirt. |
| Organize tools and garden
equipment.
|
| Wipe off any dust and
dirt from water heater and furnace. |
General Interior Items
|
| Entry area should be
spotless. |
| Entry area closet should
appear roomy. Remove out of season items and add extra hangers.
|
| Eliminate cooking, smoking
and pet odors. |
| If there are smoking
odors, have furniture, drapes and carpets cleaned. |
| If there are pet stains,
carpet and padding may need replacement. |
| Stick to neutral colors
if painting or replacing carpets. |
| Wash all windows - take
advantage of natural sunlight. |
| Window screens should
be in good condition and free from holes. |
| Make sure all lighting
fixtures have working light bulbs. |
| Increase bulb wattage
in basement area. |
| Clean all carpets. |
| Clean all wood and tile
floors. |
| Get rid of cluttered
closets . . . leave very few items on the floor of closets.
|
| Consider moving large
pieces of furniture into storage. |
| Clean and polish woodwork.
|
| If the season is appropriate,
open windows and let the fresh air into the house. |
Kitchen and Bathrooms
|
Kitchen
|
| Clean and organize all
storage space. |
| Avoid clutter, store
small appliances. |
| Clean ventilating hood
and exhaust fan. |
| Sink, cabinets, appliances
and counter tops should be clean and fresh. |
| Wash & organize cabinets.
|
Bathrooms
|
| Check all faucets. Repair
any dripping faucets. |
| All surfaces should
be spotless. Clear off vanity countertops. |
| Replace worn shower
curtain(s). |
| Remove all personal
care items from sight and neatly store. |
| Clean and organize drawers
and linen closet. |
|
Clean and repair caulking.
|
Preparing Your Home For Sale
|
Living Areas
|
| Have walls and ceilings
in top shape. |
| Repair any damages that
may have caused ceiling or wall stains and re-paint. |
| If repainting, stay
with neutral off-white colors. |
| Replace any burned out
light bulbs. |
| Add higher wattage light
bulbs if rooms are dark. |
| Be sure all lighting
switches are in working order. |
| Wash floors. |
| Remove stains from carpeting.
|
| Clean and organize closet
space...remove out of season clothing to make closets appear
larger. |
| Consider adding fresh
or silk flower arrangements throughout the house. |
| Sweep and clean fireplace.
|
| Make sure all doors
and windows open and close easily. |
The 8 Interior Items That Buyers REALLY Notice
|
| 1. Buyers take special
notice of light & bright homes. Buy high-intensity light bulbs
and be sure to clean all light shades and covers. |
| 2. Buyers notice especially
clean homes. Do a “spring cleaning” throughout... no matter
what the season is. Give special attention to the following:
windows and screens, counter and appliance tops, mirrors, ovens,
sinks, toilets and tub/shower areas. |
| 3. Buyers notice clean
windows, freshly laundered drapes & curtains. |
| 4. Buyers notice freshly
cleaned carpets and waxed floors. Replace or repair damaged
areas of the floor or floor covering. |
| 5. Buyers notice spacious
rooms; arrange furniture and decorations to improve each room.
Remove unnecessary items that don't fit in. |
| 6. Buyers notice colors
that will blend with their decor and furnishings. Consider brightening
things up with a fresh coat of paint. Think white, off-white
or beige. Such colors make aroom look bigger and brighter, and
these colors are most likely to go with the new buyer’s furnishings.
|
| 7. Buyers notice closet
& cabinet space. Neatly arrange everything in your closets,
cabinets and other storage areas including the basement and
garage. Get rid of all unnecessary items. |
|
8. Buyers pay attention
to tiny details. Fix all of the 'little things'... loose door
knobs, leaky faucets, towel racks, clean and repair caulk
areas.
|
| The above checklist is for informational purposes only &
is not a substitute for legal, tax or other professional assistance. |
| |
