Preparing Your Home For Potential Buyers

The effort put into repairing and cleaning your property is likely to be returned in a fast sale at an attractive price.
  • As buyers approach your property the first time, impressions are formed quickly.
  • Paint house - this can do more for sales appeal than any other factor.
  • Yard - Remove all toys, garbage, garden tools and other items from view.
  • Mow lawn and keep edged.
  • Close garage doors.
  • Put colorful flowers in front of house.

 
Often, while waiting to be let in, the first thing a buyer looks at closely is the front door.
  • Put new paint on the front door.
  • Buy a new door mat.
  • Buyers take a close look at the basement of a home. They will look for bad wiring, leaky pipes and signs of decay.
  • Clean out basement and dispose of everything you are not going to move.
  • Ensure that there is plenty of lighting.
  • Sweep or vacuum floor.
  • Stack items neatly against walls.

 
The kitchen is often the most important room in the house. Make it bright and attractive.
  • Put a vase of fresh flowers on the table.
  • Replace curtains or clean existing ones.
  • Remove appliances from counters.
  • Create a pleasant fragrance in the kitchen (i.e. vanilla, cinnamon).

 
It is important that bathrooms are clean, bright and smell fresh.
  • Install a new shower curtain and replace worn throw rugs.
  • Polish all fixtures.
  • Open windows.
  • Hang bright, fresh towels.
  • Remove stains from toilets and bathtubs.
  • Use air freshener.
  • Display colorful soaps.

 
The living room:
  • Clean out the fireplace and place logs in it.
  • Polish all woodwork.
  • Put big furniture in storage so rooms are not cluttered or crowded.

 
  •  Front Door:
    • Newly painted
    • Doorbell operating
    • Door brass polished
    • Hinges oiled
  • Exterior of House:
    • House recently painted
    • Gutters recently cleaned
    • Exterior lights operating
    • Missing shingles replaced
    • Moss removed from roof
  • Windows:
    • Window trims painted
    • Windows operating freely
    • Cracked windowpanes replaced
    • Windows washed
  • Driveway:
    • Resurfaced
    • Potholes patched
    • Recently sealed
  • Patios:
    • Wood stained or painted
    • Fencing secure
  • Lawn:
    • Lawn in good condition
    • Grass mowed
    • Edges trimmed
  • Trees/Shrubs:
    • Dead branches pruned
    • Dead shrubs replaced
    • Overgrown shrubs pruned
  • Entry:
    • Entry lights operating
    • Floors cleaned
    • Closet cleaned
    • Closet light operating
  •  Living Room:
    • Recently painted
    • Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
    • Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
    • Wallpaper secured
    • Woodwork repainted
    • Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned
    • Drapes/blinds opened
    • Carpets cleaned
    • Furniture positioned to show space
  • Kitchen:
    • Sink free of stains
    • No dripping faucets
    • Appliances in good working order
    • Walls, cabinets free of stains
    • Countertops cleared and cleaned
    • Pantry neatly arranged
    • Pantry hardware replaced
    • Refrigerator defrosted

 
  • Family Room:
    • Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
    • Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
    • Wallpaper secured
    • Woodwork repainted
    • Windows washed
    • Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned
    • Windows operating freely
    • Drapes/blinds opened
    • Carpets cleaned
    • Hobby supplies put away
  • Bedrooms:
    • Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
    • Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
    • Wallpaper secured
    • Woodwork repaired
    • Windows washed
    • Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned
    • Floor waxed/refinished
    • Carpets cleaned
    • Beds made
    • Laundry put away
    • Floor free from clutter
  • Basement:
    • Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
    • No evidence of water penetration
    • Dampness removed
    • Cold water pipes covered
    • Dehumidifier installed
    • Sump pump installed
    • No musty odors
    • Drains cleared
    • Furnace cleaned
    • Storage neatly arranged
    • Excess storage removed
    • Floor swept
    • Light fixtures operating
    • Handrail secure
    • Stairway runner secure
  • Dining Room:
    • Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
    • Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
    • Wallpaper secured
    • Woodwork repaired
    • Windows washed
    • Drapes/blinds open to view
    • Floor waxed/refinished
    • Carpets cleaned
  • Bathrooms:
    • Sink stains removed
    • Leaky faucets repaired
    • Grouting stains removed
    • All joints caulked
    • Missing tiles replaced
    • All fixtures operating
    • Floors cleaned
    • New shower curtain
    • All supplies stored
    • Guest towels

 
The following conditions may require a work order:
  • Broken windows.
  • Debris in crawl space.
  • Dry rot or deteriorated wood.
  • Earth-wood contact.
  • Overgrown shrubbery.
  • Electrical not in working condition.
  • Gutters and downspouts blocked or missing.
  • A hot water tank without a 3/4" discharge line.
  • Inadequate foundation ventilation.
  • Inadequate attic ventilation.
  • Less than four feet of waterproof material around tub enclosures (tile, formica, etc.).
  • Less than 18" clearance between soil and floor joists under entire house.
  • Peeling or missing paint.
  • Plumbing not in working condition.
  • Single oil or gas space heaters to heat entire house.
  • Water damage inside home.

 
You might have to:
  • Paint the exterior and interior if in bad condition.
  • Hook up to public water or sewer if available.
  • Get county certification if home is on septic or well.
  • Remove unused oil tanks or fill with cement-slurry or polyurethane foam

 
Other items to remember:
  • Inspectors will need access to the attic.
  • Leased equipment cannot be included in the sale (i.e. hot water tank, alarm system, etc.).
  • All assessments must be paid.
  • Joint maintenance agreements will be required for common road easements for maintenance on home where property line is within 3' of structure.

* Check with local authorities for specific requirements.

 
Before Your House Is Shown
  • Tag or remove items not included in sale (i.e. water conditioner, chandeliers, plants, drapes).
  • Open shades and curtains to let in light.
  • Turn on enough lights so home is well-lit during showing.
  • At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting.
  • Tidy all the rooms. Neatness makes a room easier to view.
  • Clean dirty dishes in the sink and put away any dishes on counter.
  • Keep toys in the children's rooms.
  • Put away items in the yard such as bicycles, gardening tools and skateboards.
  • If fall or winter, light a fire in the fireplace.

 
While Your House Is Being Shown
  • When possible, leave while the property is shown. If not, remain in an area not being shown by the sales associate.
  • Let the real estate expert show your house. Answer questions candidly when asked, but avoid questioning potential buyers.
  • Refer inquiries about seeing your house to your Realtor to take advantage of the agent's professional skills in selling your home.
  • Don't mention items you wish to dispose of unless asked.
  • It is best to be away when your agent is holding an open house.
  • Keep pets outdoors or in one area.
  • Keep children quiet and in one area.
  • Keep radio, stereo or TV on low volume.
  • Keep money and other valuable items out of sight.

 

This page last updated December 19, 2007