Plan Ahead
- Visualize your home as a model home that you would want to walk into and prepare to take action
- Walk through each room and criticize the home from a buyer’s perspective.
- Ask a local real estate professional for their advice.
- Consider getting a professional home inspection to see if any repairs are needed, it could prevent a transaction from derailing later on.
- Hire a contractor to handle major projects.
- Consider getting an appraisal to find out your current market value in order to set expectations and price it to sale.
- Hold a yard sale. Sell, donate or trash anything you don’t need. See Garage Sales for more information.
Clean, Declutter and Depersonalize
- Thoroughly clean the entire home inside and out
- Scrub tile in the kitchen and bathrooms
- Clean floors
- Steam clean carpets and drapes. Consider replacing carpet if stains are obvious
- Repair cracks and holes in the walls.
- Paint interior walls with neutral colors, like beige, cream or light pastels
- Remove excess and oversized furniture
- Rearrange furniture to maximize space
- Organize room closets
- Remove all small appliances, toys, magazines and pet items
- Remove family photos, personal collections and medications
- Remove items from the garage and store elsewhere
- Secure valuable items such as cash, jewelry, private documents
Maximize Curb Appeal
- Paint the home’s exterior, including trim, doors and shutters if needed
- Check front door, doorbell, address number and welcome mat
- Power wash the siding and windows
- Inspect the roof and make repairs as needed
- Repair cracks in the driveway and sidewalks
- Sweep the entryway and walkways
- Mow, water and fertilize the lawn
- Trim shrubs and trees and rake the leaves
- Plant colorful flowers and shrubs
- Store any toys or equipment lying on the yard
- Clean the gutters and downspouts
Pay Attention to Kitchens and Bathrooms
- Mop and wax/polish the floors
- Clear the countertops, including small appliances to make space look larger
- Replace outdated hardware
- Clean appliances and fixtures
- Clean and organize the pantry, cabinets and drawers
- Replace old caulking around sinks and bathtubs
- Remove stains from sinks, toilets and bathtubs
- Keep all toilet seat lids closed
- Hang fresh towels
Appeal to the Senses
- Have scented candles
- Install higher wattage incandescent light bulbs to brighten rooms
- Turn on all the lights
- Open windows to let in fresh air
- Open curtains or blinds to let in natural light and show off views
- Turn off TVs
- Remove pets
- Do not smoke in the house
Show Off Your Home’s Best Features
- Remove rugs to show off hardwood floors
- Pull back drapes to showcase nice views
- Stage the front porch or deck with furniture and potted plants
- Make sure fireplaces are in working condition
- Clean the backyard and pool area