Preparing Your Home to Sell

Preparing your home for sale   (Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Booklet)

Exterior:

1. Make sure your lawn is mowed and edged.  
2. Trim all the trees and shrubs on your property.  
3. Plant some flowers or display large flower pots.  
4. Sweep and clean all sidewalks and pathways.  I
5. Repair and clean all windows. 
6. Clean all leaves and drain spouts.  
7. Paint exterior areas that need painting.  
8. Clean or replace door knobs.  
9. Keep Garage Door closed.  

Interior:

1. Remove all family photos, trophies, personal crafts, etc.  
2. Remove all “clutter” (ie: newspapers, boxes, etc.,) it will make your home feel bigger.  
3. Clean all your carpets.  If the carpet needs to be replaced, do so and make sure it is a neutral color.  
4. Repair or paint any chipped or dirty walls.  
5. Make doors and windows open correctly and easily.  
6. Repair and minor damages. (ie: plaster, wallpaper, creaking floor boards, etc.)  I
7. Add some indoor plants.  Plants add a warm feeling to a home.  

Additional Tips if you are going to have an “OPEN HOUSE”:

1. If possible, keep all pets out of the house.  Pet’s need to either be out of the home or in a crate when the home is shown or an Open House is planned. 
2. Add some fresh flowers in a vase. .
3. Make all the rooms in your house smell good.  
4. Clean and clear all table tops, desks, shelves, etc.  
5. Create as much light as possible.  Open all blinds and curtains.  
6. Add fresh towels to the bathrooms.  
7. Turn off all TV’s computers, etc.  
8. Add a little music softly in the background.  
9. Never hold an Open House alone.  You are allowing strangers into your home and it is better to have another person with you.