Get Your Home Ready To Sell

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Selling

Get Your Home Ready To Sell

The excitement of listing your home for sale can often make a seller overlook the obvious.  It has been said that a buyer forms their opinion of your home within the first 30 seconds of arrival.  That being said, most simply cannot get inside your home that fast, and as a consequence, your curb appeal, or lack thereof, may end up having an unintended affect. Just like sitting down in a restaurant you've been dying to try, your initial impression of the service and the look of the food as it arrives sets your expectations for the rest of the experience.  We have compiled a list of the keys elements you'll want to "focus on" before putting out the for sale sign.  Additionally, these items don't fall into the "set it and forget it" category, you'll want to give them regular attention to ensure optimal curb appeal throughout the selling process.

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.

Replace house #'s and mailbox for a new, fresh look.

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 shower heads. 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 Reattach 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.