PREPARING YOUR PROPERTY

Fully preparing your home for sale can make a considerable difference in the time it takes to sell it.
You can help eliminate buyer objections before they arise by making necessary repairs and
improvements, some of which are suggested below.

Outdoors
Spruce up your garden and lawn; trim
shrubbery and replace dead plants.
Yard and patio should be neat; outdoor
furniture should be clean and in good
shape.
Manicure your front yard; make sure your
driveway and entryway are free of clutter.
Exterior
Check to make sure the house numbers,
mailbox and exterior lighting are in good
condition.
Walk around your house, does it need painting or touch up painting?
Repair loose trim, drain pipes and fencing.
Clean stains and window screens.
Garage
Remove clutter and tidy up the shelves.
Clean the floor.
Living Areas
Apply fresh paint as needed. Think about
brightening your interiors with neutraltoned
paint.
Clean draperies and carpets.
Replace burned out light bulbs.
Kitchen
Sinks, appliances and counter tops should
sparkle. Remove any clutter.
Clean the oven, range and other
appliances.
Clean tile and grout; replace if necessary.
Bathrooms
Clean mirrors, glass, chrome and porcelain
surfaces.
Replace shower curtain  with a fresh new one, if necessary.                                              Glass shower enclosures need to shine.                                                                              Use vinegar or CLR to remove watermarks.                                                                    Replace or repair any faucet leaks.
Clean grout and caulking; replace if
necessary.
Closets
Doors and drawers should open and close
easily.
Remove clutter; tidy up shelves and racks.
Shoes and clothes should be neatly
arranged.
The Details Matter
Check the basics around the house. It
takes just a minute to check all doors,
windows and cabinets to make sure they
don't stick, squeak or are too loose.
Clean the fireplace and remove smoke
stains from the wall and mantle.
Clean your furnace and water heater, so
buyers know they are looking at a house
that has been well maintained.