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Are you planning to sell your home? Ensuring that your property is in top condition is crucial for attracting potential buyers. Follow this comprehensive checklist to prepare your home for a successful sale:
Exterior Home Selling Preparation
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Curb Appeal Matters:
- Touch Up Trim Paint: Refresh the paint on doors, window frames, fascia, and other visible areas.
- Lawn Maintenance: If your lawn lacks vibrancy, fertilize it and water regularly. Mow and edge the lawn frequently.
- Trim Overgrown Shrubbery: Cut back overgrown shrubs to showcase as much of the exterior as possible.
- Seasonal Flowers and Ground Cover: Invest in low-cost seasonal flowers or ground cover to add a welcoming touch.
- Replace Missing Shutters, Gutters, and Downspouts: Ensure all exterior elements are intact and functional.
- Roof Inspection: Check for necessary repairs and address any visible broken shingles or tiles.
- Driveway and Sidewalk Maintenance:
- Repair cracks using ready-mix cement.
- For stubborn stains, use specialized cleaning agents available at home repair stores.
- Stucco Water Stains: Remove stucco water stains using a mild bleaching agent.
- Fence Repair and Painting: Mend fences and give them a fresh coat of paint.
- Street-Facing Areas: Keep the area in front of your curb and driveway clear of debris. Hose it down regularly.
- Window Cleaning: Wash all windows inside and outside.
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Backyard and Child’s Play Area:
- Apply the same principles to your backyard and child’s play area. Ensure they are well-maintained and clutter-free.
Interior Home Selling Preparation
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Living Area:
- Deep Cleaning: Clean your home thoroughly from top to bottom. Pay attention to corners, baseboards, and hidden areas.
- Valuables: Safely store valuable items to create a clutter-free and visually appealing space.
- Wall Repairs and Touch-Up Paint:
- Repair any cracks or holes in walls.
- Touch up paint to give rooms a fresh look.
- Door Maintenance:
- Clean doors and address any scuffs or marks.
- Repair or replace torn screens.
- Avoid Over-Painting:
- While fresh paint is essential, avoid excessive repainting. Stick to neutral colors that appeal to a wide range of buyers.
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Kitchen:
- Focal Point: The kitchen is one of the most important rooms. Create an open appearance with sunlight and green plants.
- Counters and Appliances:
- Keep counters clean and clear of appliances.
- Ensure all appliances are clean and neatly organized.
- Never leave dirty dishes in the sink.
- Floor Maintenance:
- Clean and wax the kitchen floor. Consider replacing it if it looks old and dull.
- Fans and Vent Hoods:
- Clean fans and vent hoods for a fresh look.
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Bathroom:
- Thorough Cleaning:
- Clean all bathroom appliances.
- Remove stains from sinks, toilets, and bathtubs.
- Replace old caulking around bathtub and sinks.
- Repair or replace leaky faucets.
- Unclog and sanitize drains.
- Clean all mirrors.
- Keep toilet seat lids closed.
- Fresh towels should be in the bathrooms at all times.
- Thorough Cleaning:
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Garage:
- Declutter and Organize:
- Have a garage sale to dispose of unwanted items.
- Box and store family heirlooms in the garage until you move.
- Use degreasers to remove stains from the garage floor.
- Remove any cobwebs.
- Basement and Attic:
- If functional, ensure the basement or attic is clean and in good repair.
- Declutter and Organize:
Remember, first impressions matter! By following these guidelines, you’ll present your home in the best possible light and attract potential buyers effectively. Good luck with your home sale!
