Get Your Home Ready To Sell
- Edge, mow and fertilize the lawn. Reseed any sparse areas.
- Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees. Cut back overgrown shrubbery.
- Reseal cracks in foundation, steps, walkways, walls, and patios. Power-wash your home’s exterior. Consider repainting in a neutral shade if there is peeling paint.
- Clean and align gutters and downspouts and inspect and clean the chimney.
- If the doorbell doesn’t work, repair or replace it. Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
- Remove oil stains from the driveway and garage. If you’re selling in the winter, keep walks neatly cleared of snow and ice. Otherwise, keep the walks and driveway swept.
- Repair broken outdoor steps. Place brightly colored potted outdoor flower arrangements near the front door.
- Keep your garage door closed. Store RVs, boats, and extra vehicles elsewhere while the house is on the market.
- Wash the windows inside and out.
- Clean walls, floors, inside closets, and cabinets – everything. If you must, hire a cleaning service to come in and do the job.
- Get rid of clutter. Store appliances you normally leave on countertops. Clean out closets, garage, basement, and attic.
- Paint the walls and ceilings off white or beige.
- Repair cracks, holes, and damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint, and tiles.
- Replace damaged windowpanes, moldings, and woodwork.
- Repair dripping faucets and showerheads.
- Buy new cabinet knobs and curtains for the kitchen.
- Shampoo all carpets, scrub and wax linoleum, wash, and wax wood floors.
- Unclog slowly draining sinks and tubs.
- Clean out the fireplace and lay some logs in it.
- Mend torn screens. Clean out all window tracks.
- Replace burned-out light bulbs. Use brighter light bulbs.
- Make sure every light switch works.
- Nail down any creaking boards or stair treads and lubricate any squeaking doors.
- Remove excess, worn or unattractive furniture.
- Clean all appliances (especially refrigerator and oven).
- Replace old toilet seats and shower curtains.
- Clear all cobwebs from corners and doorways.
- Wash all light switches, handrails and doorknobs.
- Keep draperies and shades open to let in the light.
- Place fresh flowers throughout the house.
- Set out colorful, luxurious towels in the bathroom.
- Avoid having dirty dishes in the sink or on counters.
- Keep any toys in the children’s rooms, bikes, wagons and skateboards in the garage.
- Play pleasant music at low volume.