Thinking about selling your home?
In the current real estate market sellers will see more money in their pockets by doing some pre-listing work on their home both inside and out. Many of the maintenance items below you may already do however it is always a good idea to refresh yourself because the buyers or inspectors are looking. We think of staging a home by moving furniture however minimizing your personal belonging and packing away items you are not using is equally important. I tell my seller to think of a hotel room when staging. Make your home feel peaceful and neutral so the buyers can picture themselves in the home, not look at your old family pictures because they do! A painting contractor, landscaper and cleaning company will all help you with the work if you are looking for help.
l Edge, mow and fertilize the lawn. Reseed sparse areas.
l Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees. Cut back overgrown shrubbery.
l Reseal cracks in foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios. Power-wash the exterior.
l Clean and align gutters and downspouts; clean the chimney.
l Remove oil stains from driveway and garage. Keep walks and driveway swept or free of ice.
l Wash the windows inside and out.
l Hire a cleaning service to thoroughly clean the interior.
l Paint the walls and ceilings off white or beige.
l Repair cracks, holes and damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint, and tiles.
l Replace damaged windowpanes, moldings and woodwork.
l Repair drippy faucets and showerheads. Unclog slow drains.
l Shampoo carpets, scrub and wax linoleum or wood floors.
l Clean out the fireplace and lay some logs in it.
l Mend torn screens. Clean out all window tracks.
l Replace burned-out light bulbs. Use brighter light bulbs.
l Renail creaking boards or stairs; lubricate squeaking doors.
l Clean all appliances (especially refrigerator and oven).
l Replace old toilet seats and shower curtains.
l Clear all cobwebs from corners and doorways.
l Wash all light switches, handrails and doorknobs.