Actions you can take to make your house more appealing to buyers, presented room-by-room in order to make it easier to check as you go through your house:
Exterior Curb Appeal
- mow lawn
- trim shrubs
- edge gardens and walkways
- weed and mulch
- sweep walkways and driveway, remove branches, litter or toys
- add color and fill bare spots with plantings
- remove mildew or moss from walls or walks with bleach and water or other cleaner
- take stains off your driveway with cleanser or kitty litter
- stack woodpile neatly
- clean and repair patio and deck areas
- remove any outdoor furniture which is not in good repair
- make sure pool/spa sparkles
- replace old storm doors
- check for flat fitting roof shingles
- repair broken windows and shutters, replace torn screens
- hose off exterior wood and trim, replace damaged bricks or wood
- touch up exterior paint, repair gutters and eaves
- paint front door and mailbox
- add new front door mat
- shine brass hardware on front door, outside lighting fixtures
- make sure doorbell is in good working order
- make sure lock is easy to use, not sticking
General Interior Suggestions
- add fresh coat of interior paint in light, neutral colors
- shampoo carpeting, replace if necessary
- clean and wax hardwood floors
clean and wax kitchen and bathroom floors
- clean the fireplace
clean out and organize closets, pack away unneeded items
remove extra furniture, worn rugs, items you don't use
- repair problems such as loose door knobs, cracked modling, leaking taps and toilets
- quiet noisy appliances, squeeky doors with oil
add drop of vanilla or bath oil on lightbulbs for scent
- secure jewelry, cash or other valuables
The Living Room
- make it cozy and inviting, discard chipped or worn furniture and frayed/worn rugs
The Dining Room
- polish any visible silver/crystal
- set the table for a formal dinner
The Kitchen
- make sure appliances are spotless inside and out, and in working order
- clean off forgotten spots on top of refrigerator and under sink
unclutter all counter space or remove countertop appliances
- organize items inside cabinets, prepack anything you won't need till after move
The Bathrooms
- remove all rust and mildew
make sure tile, fixtures, shower doors, etc are immaculate and shining
- make sure all fixtures are in good repair
- replace loose caulking or grout
- make sure lighting is bright but soft
The Master Bedroom
- organize furnishings to create a spacious look with well-definted sitting, sleeping, and dressing areas
The Garage
- clean oily cement floors
- sell, give away or throw out unnecessary items, the perfect garage holds only cars
- provide strong overhead light
- tidy storage or work areas
The Basement
- sell, give away or throw out unnecessary items
- organize and create more floor space by hanging tools and placing items on shelves
- clean water heater
- change furnace filter
- make inspection access easy
- clean and paint concrete floor and walls
- provide strong overhead light
- drain water heater sediment
The Attic
- tidy up by discarding or pre-packing items
- make sure energy-saving isulation is apparent
- make sure air vent is in good working order
- provide strong overhead light
When it's time to show your home
- open all drapes and shades and turn on all lights
- pick up toys and other clutter
- check to make sure beds are made and clothes put away
- give carpets a quick vacuuming
- add some strategically placed fresh flowers
- open bathroom windows for fresh air
- pop a spicy dessert or just a pan of cinnamon in the over for aroma
- turn off the tv and turn on the radio at low volume
- make a fire in the fireplace, if appropriate
- put pets in the backyard or arrange for a friend/relative to keep them
- make sure pet areas are clean and odor-free
- make sure all trash is disposed of in neatly covered bins
- make sure the temperature is comfortable
That's it!
