Getting Your Property Ready To Sell

Nothing is more important than the first impression . . .

• PAINTING—At the top of the list for creating good impressions. Inspect interior walls as well as the exterior including trim, gutters, downspouts, mailbox, etc.
• YARD—In addition to proper cutting and edging of the lawn, trim landscaping and weed flower beds. Also check for dead branches in trees and shrubbery debris. Store all outdoor lawn equipment and toys.
• SPRINKLER SYSTEM—Check for defective heads and for proper water coverage over entire lawn.
• FENCE—Repair where necessary and paint or stain if needed to give your yard that well-maintained appearance.
• GARAGE—Check garage doors and opener to see if they are in good working order. Inspect doors for painting or staining. Remove and reorganize garage items.
• DRIVEWAY—Check for grease and oil spots. When showing the property, it’s best not to have vehicles parked in the driveway.
• PATIO—Clean patio and arrange outdoor furniture.
• POOL—Have pool sparking clean. Store equipment and chemicals out of the way.
• ROOF—Check for loose shingles or broken tiles. Make sure eaves are cleared of leaves. If mildew has occurred, consider professional cleaning.
• FRONT ENTRANCE—Front door should be clean and all trim painted or stained. Check doorbell and outside light to see if they are operating properly.
• AIR-CONDITIONING—Certainly, the air-conditioning system must be functioning at top performance, but also check for proper draining, install a new filter, and clean exterior unit.
• WALLS—When checking for cleaning and possible painting of interior walls, look closely at wallpaper for repair or replacement, if needed.
• DOORS—All interior and exterior doors should be cleaned, hardware tightened and oiled for smooth opening and closing.
• WINDOWS—Repair or replace all broken windows or screens. All windows must be cleaned to show the home at its best. Check blinds and draperies for cleanliness.
• ELECTRICAL—Repair all switches and outlets that are not working. Good lighting through adequate wattage in garage, hallways, and closets will brighten up your home.
• PLUMBING—Leaking faucets always raise questions about plumbing. Clean stains from stainless steel sinks and check enamel for repair.
• APPLIANCES—All appliances should be in good working order and CLEAN. In particular, oven and stove top, refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave.
• KITCHEN—A bright, cheerful kitchen is a must. Clean all surfaces, check for loose knobs or sticky drawers, clean exhaust hood and organize drawers and cabinets.
• BATHROOMS—Clean mirrors, shower doors, curtains, tub caulking, and flooring. Just when you decide to clean the bathroom “later” is when the prospective buyer rings your doorbell.