When getting your home ready to sell, you need to look at your house in a new way. Think of your house as a product about to go on the market where it is probably competing with brand new housing. It needs to show well – which means clutter-free and well kept.
Today’s homebuyers lead busy lives and may not be interested in taking on major repairs or improvements upon moving in.
This practical, easy-to-follow check list will help you identify common house problems and simple solutions.
CHECK YOUR HOME’S CURB APPEAL
How your house looks from the street in where prospective buyers will form that all-important first impression. Stand at the curb in front of your house and note what you see.
• Remove any clutter in your yard
• Repair cracked or uneven driveway or walkway surfaces
• Mow your lawn regularly and re-seed, if needed. Weed and mulch flower beds and consider buying some flower-filled planters to enhance the eye appeal of your property
• Clean your windows and walls
• Does your front door need paint? Remember, it’s the first thing people see and welcomes them into your home
• Ensure your eaves and downspouts are clear of debris and in good repair
• Power wash your backyard deck and walkways and do any necessary painting, staining or sealing
• If you have a swimming pool, are the deck and pool clean (when in season)?
• Do all outside lights work? Replace any burned out bulbs and clean fixtures of dirt and cobwebs
• Is there a shed? Make sure it looks presentable
• Do windows and exterior doors need caulking?
• Do you have decorative wooden poles on the porch? If the wood at the bottom is not in good condition, add a new coat of paint
GENERAL INTERIOR
A prospective buyer will usually enter through the front door. That’s where you should begin your interior inspection.
• Check stairs for loose boards, ripped carpeting, and missing or loose handrails and guards
• Most problems with interior walls are cosmetic. You can buy “erasers” in the cleaning section of most supermarkets to get rid of wall scuffs and floorboard marks
• Ensure doors open and shut properly. Minor sticking is normal, but excessive binding indicates possible structural problems
• Open and close all windows to ensure they work properly. Fogging between the panes of a sealed window indicates the seal is broken and the unit needs to be replaced
• Keep furniture to a minimum so rooms appear larger, not smaller. Ensure that traffic can flow in or through rooms unimpeded. If they contain bookshelves or cabinets overflowing with books, magazines and knick-knacks, remove some of these items
• Ensure closets look spacious, organized and uncluttered. Create space by getting rid of old clothes and junk
• Remove or lock away valuables such as jewelry, coins, currency, cameras, etc.
EXAMINE YOUR WALLS
• Is your exterior paint looking good? If you see faded colors and cracked or peeling surfaces, you might want to repaint
• You can clean vinyl or metal siding but defects or damage usually means replacement
• Stucco can be repaired but some skill is required to blend patches with existing stucco
GARAGE
• Get rid of broken tools, old car parts, discarded bicycles, empty paint cans and the hundreds of other useless items that accumulate in garages. Again, you want a clutter-free zone
• Use cleaning solution to remove oil stains from the floor
• You can use your garage for storage of extra furniture or items but be sure it’s boxed neatly to give the garage a nice appearance. Consider getting a small storage unit
KITCHEN AND BATHROOMS
• People splash water around so check around sinks, tubs and toilets for rotting countertops and floors. Problems could be due to poor caulking or plumbing leaks. Fogged windows, molds and sweating toilet tanks indicate high humidity levels, which you can remedy with exhaust fans
• Clean all appliances, including your oven and your greasy stove hood filter. Clean your cabinets inside and out, as well as your countertops and backsplashes. Repair dripping faucets.
• Remove anything stored on countertops or on top of your fridge and remove artwork and magnets
AIR SYSTEMS
• Change the air filters in the attic, etc. They are inexpensive and will come up on an inspection. They are the number one item purchasers want done after a home inspection.
• If you have a pet with a litter box, ensure the litter box is clean and dog droppings are not outside
WHEN IT’S SHOWTIME
Now you are ready for showings. You will need a plan of action that assigns duties to each family member to the place can quickly be whipped into shape.
• Be sure all lights are turned on to make the house bright. Open all drapes, blinds, etc.
• Air out the house to get rid of cooking or pet odors
• Have fresh flowers in view or a nice bowl of fruit on the countertop for a bit of color
• Turn on classical music to showcase any surround sound or for atmosphere
• Pick up clutter, and empty garbage
• Make sure any laundry is in laundry baskets or put inside the washer/dryer so closets and laundry room space are maximized and presentable
• Set your thermostat at a comfortable level
• Remove pets from the house or put them outside
• Leave when the house is being shown
• In poor weather, provide a place for boots, overshoes and umbrellas
(Information provided by Title365)
Your home may be worth more than you think! If you’re interested in selling your home in the Inland Empire, I’m offering a FREE Market Evaluation where I would be able to tell you what your home is worth and suggest a listing price.
Visit MyCityHouseValues.info to get started!
Thank you and have a great day!
Noe Rodriguez
Montelongo Realty
(909) 821-4718 / noe9595@gmail.com
Website: HS-90.com
Facebook.com/HouseSoldin90Days
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Noe Rodriguez - Realtor | House Sold in 90 Days 