Preparing Your House for Sale- Part III

Showing your home in its best condition will help marketing and selling a much easier process. Follow these tips to make the most out of specific areas in your home to make it ready to show. We will provide a series of posts, each focusing on different areas and rooms for the best results. Each room deserves attention when it comes to showing well. See below for several tips you can use to make sure those spaces show well!

Living and Family Rooms

• Give rooms a fresh coat of paint as needed
• Repair cracks and holes in ceiling and walls
• Make sure all wallpaper is secure
• Repaint any woodwork that is worn or chipped
• Clean or replace draperies and blinds; open them to maximizing light
• Make sure drapes and blinds easily open and close
• Wash all windows
• Steam-clean carpets. Clean rugs and wood flooring, and remove any stains or odors
• Position the furniture to showcase the size and space of the room
• Remove and replace any attached items such as chandeliers and drapes that you wish to move with you
• Put away toys and hobby supplies; remove extra magazines and books from tables

Bathrooms

• Make sure sinks, tubs, showers and countertops are clean and free of stains
• Repair any leaky faucets
• Remove grout and soap stains from tile
• Replace any missing or cracked tiles or grout
• Make sure all joints are caulked
• Make sure all fixtures, including heat lamps and exhaust fans, are operating
• Install a new shower curtain and buy matching towels
• Store all supplies, such as toilet paper, shampoo bottles and cleansers

Bedrooms

• Repair any cracks in the ceiling or walls
• Apply a fresh coat of paint if necessary
• Make sure wallpaper is secure
• Clean drapes and blinds; open them to maximize light
• Put away toys, clothes and clutter
• Neatly make the beds

Basement

• Check for water penetration or dampness; call a professional for repairs if necessary
• Make sure all light fixtures work
• Make sure stairway handrail is secure

Extras

• Remove any indoor houseplants that are brown or losing their leaves
• Discard the clutter of magazines on the coffee and end tables
• Tidy and declutter all closets
• Hide or get rid of worn-out throw pillows

If you follow all of these steps you are sure to have a listing that shines and has a much better chance of selling at the highest possible price within your time frame. Also, you’re ready to list your home…so give us a call today!