Getting ready to put your home on the market can seem daunting. Here’s a high level checklist of things to do to prepare your home to sell:

INTERIOR

O Add a fresh coat of interior paint in light, neutral colors.
O Shampoo carpeting, replace if necessary.
O Clean and wax hardwood floors, refinish if necessary.
O Clean out and organize closets.
O Remove extra furniture, worn rugs, and items you don’t use.
O Repair problems such as loose door knobs, cracked molding, leaking taps and toilets, squeaky doors, closet or screen doors which are off their tracks.
O Secure jewelry, cash, prescriptions and other valuables.

THE LIVING ROOM

O Make the living room cozy and inviting, get rid of shabby things.
O Clean or replace carpets.
O Declutter and rearrange to emphasize space.
O Pack away family pictures to depersonalize.

THE DINING ROOM

O Set the table for dinner to help viewers imagine entertaining.
O Replace outdated light fixtures.

THE KITCHEN

O Make sure appliances are spotless inside and out and everything works.
O Declutter all counter space and remove countertop appliances.
O Organize items inside cabinets; prepack anything you won’t be using before you move.

THE BATHROOMS

O Make sure tile, fixtures, shower doors, etc. are immaculate and shining.
O Replace loose caulking or grout.
O Update fixtures if needed.
O Hang fluffy, new bath towels on the racks.

THE MASTER BEDROOM

O Organize furnishings to create a spacious look with well defined sitting, sleeping, and dressing areas.
O Paint a neutral color.
O Remove all clutter to create a calm retreat.

THE GARAGE

O Sell, give away, or throw out unnecessary items (the perfect garage holds only cars).
O Clean oily cement floors.
O Provide strong overhead light.
O Tidy storage or work areas.

THE BASEMENT

O Organize and create more floor space by hanging tools and placing items on shelves.
O Clean water heater.
O Change furnace filter.
O Make inspection access easy.
O Provide strong overhead light.
O Drain water heater sediment.

THE ATTIC

O Tidy up by discarding or pre-packing items.
O Make sure energy-saving insulation is apparent.
O Make sure air vent is in good working order.
O Provide strong overhead light.

WHEN IT’S TIME TO SHOW YOUR HOME

O Make sure your property profile folder, utility bills, MLS profile, house location survey, etc. are available.
O Open all drapes and shades and turn on all lights.
O Put away toys and other clutter; check to make sure beds are made and clothes are put away.
O Give carpets a quick vacuuming.
O Set out some fresh flowers.
O Bake cookies or make coffee for an inviting aroma.
O Turn off the television and turn on music at a low volume.
O Build a fire in the fireplace, if appropriate.
O Take pets with you or make arrangements for them to stay somewhere else.
O Get an impartial third party to give your house the sniff test, and take care of any odors.
O Dispose of trash in neatly covered bins.
O Keep indoor temperatures comfortably cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Please contact me for more detailed information on the buying process! Or download the PDF version of this guide to staging your home. Find more information on selling your home here.