“First impressions are lasting impressions.” It’s a simple statement, but powerfully important in preparing your home for sale. Potential buyers will be “inspecting” your home. They will be looking for reasons to, and not to, buy your home. Highlighting the reasons to buy your home is the key!
Interior Considerations
On the inside, you want to create a “home sweet home” feeling from the moment the buyers enter. Below are some recommended steps to preparing your home’s inside:
Main Interior Items
• Shampoo carpets with special attention to high traffic areas.
• Clean and dust counters, tables, shelves and mantles.
• Minimize clutter to create a spacious feeling.
• Install fragrant air fresheners in odor prone areas.
• Clean windows (inside and outside if possible) & open blinds/shades.
• Repair nuisance items like leaky faucets, bad light bulbs and running toilets.
Kitchen & Baths
• Remove any stains on countertops, sinks, toilets or tubs.
• Minimize clutter on counters and in under-counter storage areas.
• Neatly store appliances, pots and pans off counters if possible.
• Caulk joints and clean grout as needed.
• Hang fresh towels and place colored, scented soaps around.
Bedrooms
• Keep beds made, drawers closed and closets organized.
• Consider storing out-of-season clothes to reduce closet clutter.
• Neatly arrange or store away any children’s toys.
Living Areas
• Touch up or repaint walls and trim to brighten rooms.
• Arrange couch pillows and decorations.
• Clean out fireplace(s).
• Add scented candles, flowers or other little touches to increase appeal.
Basement, Attic & Storage Areas
• Throw away items and boxes that you will not be moving.
• Neatly box and stack items in storage areas to create a spacious feeling.
Heating & Cooling Equipment
• Make sure heating and cooling equipment are operational.
• Replace filters and clean vents.
• Consider having equipment professionally serviced.
