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The Seller’s Guide
Interior Quick Overview
Before you start on the interior, you should remove or mark all personal items on the walls or ceilings that you do not intend to leave with the house.
1. Entry
Check working order of doorbell and exterior light.
Clear interior entry of all clutter.
Clear and clean front hall closet.
Repaint in a neutral color.
Apply a fresh coat of polyurethane to a hardwood floor.
Replace broken door knobs.
Install new switch and outlet plates.
Put up new front door light fixtures.
Install a new door knocker and kickplate.
2. Dining Room
Clean the ceiling.
Clean or reglaze the windows.
Repaint in a neutral color.
Install a dimmer switch
Polish all silverware on display.
Wash and clean exhibited glassware and china.
Clean the glass on the hutch.
Repair worn upholstery on chairs.
Clean the dining room table.
Place a floral centerpiece on the table.
3. Living Room/Family Room/Den
Remove a worn carpet.
Remove any excess furniture.
Arrange furniture to enhance appearance.
Remove magazines, books and other personal items.
Sweep and clean fireplace, mantle and shelving.
Clean or reglaze windows.
Clear cobwebs from corners and doorways.
Repaint or touch up walls and ceilings.
Repair or replace moldings.
Clean curtains, shutters and blinds.
Check handrails and posts on stairways.
Repaint in a neutral color.
Apply a fresh coat of polyurethane to a hardwood floor.
Shampoo carpeting or wash and wax floors.
Vacuum all rooms and dust the furniture.
Replace broken switch and outlet places.
Test household security systems and smoke detectors.
Remove any items you are not leaving with the house.
4. Kitchen
Clean all counter surfaces.
Remove all garbage.
Clean or replace filters.
Check ventilation and exhaust fan.
Clean all appliances and sinks.
Rearrange pantry and cupboard -- neat and clean.
Repair or replace chipped/damaged counter tops.
Repair or replace warped drawers.
replace dated faucets and fixtures.
Have broken appliances repaired.
Remove clutter from counter tops.
Replace handles and doorknobs on drawers and cabinets.
Clear out and clean cabinets and drawers.
Clean/replace curtains or blinds.
Replace low wattage light bulbs.
Clear walls, shelves and counter tops.
Repaint or repaper the walls in a neutral tone.
5. Bathroom
Thoroughly clean all surfaces.
Remove all grime, water stains and mildew.
Check tiles. Replace loose or chipped ones.
Remove all personal articles.
Clean behind the door.
Replace an old toilet seat.
Grout tub and shower.
Replace dated faucets.
Check exhaust fan. Repair if necessary.
Install bright light bulbs.
Replace worn shower or bath curtains.
Clean and rearrange the medicine cabinet.
Repair leaky faucets and shower heads.
Put out fresh towels, including a guest towel.
6. Bedrooms
Arrange furniture to improve appearance; remove excess.
Make all beds.
Replace worn bed coverings.
Open drapes and shades to brighten room.
Clean night stand and side table surface and area.
Remove personal items and clothing from all surfaces.
Install lights in the closet.
Remove all storage and clutter from the closet.
Clean or reglaze windows.
Clean behind all doors.
Remove worn carpets.
Clear cobwebs from corners and doorways.
Oil hinges on doors and tighten doorknobs.
7. Basement
Clean furnace and water heating unit.
Check for pest infestation.
Hang objects on walls to minimize clutter.
Inspect for any damp spots.
Use a dehumidifier to eliminate dampness.
Check foundation for cracks and watermarks.
Examine floor joists (wall to wall supports).
Check structural beams.
Check for mildew odor -- a sign of water damage.
Make sure drains are working smoothly.
Check traps and basement waste pipes.
Check main waterline shut off.
Clean and organize laundry area.
Wrap cold water pipes with foam rubber insulation.
Change and clean filters on furnace.
8. Miscellaneous
Clear and clean all closets.
Replace all burned out light bulbs.
Clean room fans.
Check attic for proper ventilation.
Exterior Quick Overview
Because a buyers opinion is formed between the car and the front door, here are a few things to keep in mind when preparing the exterior of your home for a sale:
1. Curb Appeal
Pick up all litter and trash
Pick up all garden tools
Pick up all toys
Trim shrubs, hedges and trees
Rake up dead leaves and pick up dead tree limbs
Repaint or replace a worn mailbox
Repair and/or repaint the fence
Reseed worn patches in the lawn
Weed and feed the lawn and garden
2. Curb and Chimney
Check roof for leaks
Check roof shingles for sturdiness
Remove debris from gutters and downspouts
Repair or repaint gutters and downspouts
Check chimney flue and clean obstructions
Check flashing around vents, skylights and chimney for leaks
Check chimney for damaged chimney caps and loose or missing mortar
Install wire screens in roof ventilation areas
3. House Exterior
Remove old or dirty screens from windows
Wash all windows
Caulk in any cracks and holes in house siding
Repair or repaint siding
Repaint or touch up trim along the side of the house
Check weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows
Apply a fresh coat of paint to a worn doorway
Repair a malfunctioning screen or storm door
Wash steps and railings
Replace a worn doormat
Put up new, easily recognizable house numbers
Spruce up the front door with potted plants
4. Driveway and Garage
Remove all weeds from the driveway
Sweep the driveway
Fill and seal any cracks in the driveway
Fix and wash the garage door and windows
Repaint the garage door
Remove oil stains from the garage floor
Straighten up the garage
Hang gardening tools on the walls
Lubricate the garage door hardware and hinges
Sell any unwanted or outgrown item in a garage sale |