Preparing Your Home to Sell

Preparing Your Home for Sale: Exterior, Interior, and Open House Tips

Exterior

Make sure your lawn is mowed and edged. The first impression a buyer will get of your home is from the outside. Curb appeal is very important. If you don’t have the time to keep the lawn mowed and edged, now is the time to hire a service. This way you don’t have to worry about making sure it is always done in time for a buyer or an open house.
Trim all the trees and shrubs on your property. If you can’t reach some of your trees or have the equipment to trim them, hire a landscape company or rent equipment if you prefer to do it yourself.
Plant some flowers or display large flower pots. This is the best way to brighten up your yard and enhance curb appeal. You can pick up inexpensive pots at a pottery place, K-Mart, Target, Home Depot, or even at a garage sale. These same places carry flowers and shrubs at good prices.
Sweep and clean all sidewalks and pathways. In snow or ice climates, make sure sidewalks, pathways, and decks are cleared and salted. Remove toys, papers, or outside tools from walkways.
Repair and clean all windows. Replace any cracked or broken windows and make sure they are clean for a well-maintained look.
Clean all eaves and drain spouts. Blocked eaves and drain spouts can cause damage that will cost more than keeping them clean. Use a ladder and your hand or a small broom, or hire a handyman to do it.
Paint exterior areas that need painting. Peeling or chipped paint should be taken care of for a fresh, well-cared-for look.
Clean or replace door knobs. The entrance to the home should be perfect from the finish on the door to the door knob and locks. If they are dated and cannot be cleaned, replace them.
Keep the garage door closed. First impressions are important. The garage should not have the door left open at any time. You also don’t want people to think they should enter through the garage because it is open.

Interior

Remove all family photos, trophies, personal crafts, etc. Personal items often keep buyers from visualizing the home for themselves and distract from other features.
Remove all “clutter” (newspapers, boxes, etc.). This will make your home feel bigger. Counters in baths and the kitchen should be clutter-free. Papers should be put away or in the trash. Dishes should always be done and put away.
Clean all your carpets. If the carpet needs replacing, do so with a neutral color. If not, have it cleaned or do it yourself by renting a carpet cleaning machine.
Repair or paint any chipped or dirty walls. Choose neutral colors when painting. If walls only need washing, wash the entire wall, not just spots.
Make doors and windows open correctly and easily. Use a little A-1 oil where needed so that everything opens and closes easily.
Repair minor damages (plaster, wallpaper, creaking floorboards, etc.). Wallpaper seams can be repaired with paste. Creaking floorboards may require a professional. Plaster repairs may need expert attention.
Add some indoor plants. Plants add a warm feeling to a home. Both green and flowering plants work well.

Additional Tips for an Open House

Keep all pets out of the house if possible. Pets should be out or in a crate during showings or open houses. Even well-behaved pets may frighten buyers.
Add fresh flowers in a vase. Colorful flowers add warmth to a room.
Make all rooms smell good. If you don’t bake cookies, add a cinnamon stick to water and heat it in the oven, or use a scented candle.
Clean and clear all tabletops, desks, shelves, etc. Clutter takes away from the home’s features.
Create as much light as possible. Open blinds and curtains. Clean windows, open blinds/curtains, and turn on lights as needed.
Add fresh towels to the bathrooms. New towels and small soaps add appeal to bathrooms.
Turn off all TVs, computers, etc. Electronics can distract buyers.
Add soft background music. Soft music can relax buyers as they tour the home.
Never hold an open house alone. Always have another adult present. Keep a cell phone handy with an auto-dial 911 option. When showing, let buyers enter rooms ahead of you to keep exits clear. For basements, turn on the lights and let buyers go ahead while leaving the exit open. Open houses can be held any day, not just weekends, but should always end before dark.