SELLING

Overview of the buying and selling process
Preparing you home through the eyes of a buyer
Repair & cleaning checklist ~ pdf
Possible work orders
What to do while your house is being shown


Preparing your home through the eyes of a buyer

The effort put into repairing and cleaning your property is likely to be returned in a faster sale and better 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 & other items from view
  • Mow lawn and keep edged
  • Close garage doors
  • Put colorful flowers in front of house, make entry appealing and inviting

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
  • Ensure 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 & attractive with open counterspace.

  • 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
  • Displacy colorful soaps
  • Keep toilet seat lid down at all times

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

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Click here for Repair & Cleaning Checklist (a pdf file)

Possible Work Orders (perhaps requested after inspection by buyer)

  • Broken or failed windows
  • Debris in crawl space
  • Dry rot or deteriorated wood
  • Earth-wood contact
  • Overgrown shrubbery
  • Electrical not in working condition
  • Gutters & downspouts blocked or missing
  • A hot water tank without a 3/4" discharge line
  • Inadequate attic or foundation ventilation
  • Peeling or missing paint
  • Plumbing not in working condition

Other items to remember:

  • Inspectors will need access to attic and under house
  • Leased equipment cannot be included in the sale
  • All assessments must be paid
  • Joint maintenance agreements will be required for common road easements
  • Always check with local authorities for specific requirements

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What To Do While Your House Is Being Shown
Before Your House Is Shown

  • Tag or remove items not included in sale
  • 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, etc.
  • If fall or winter, light a fire in the fireplace

While your house is being shown

  • Leave while the property is shown.
  • Always refer inquiries about seeing your house to your Realtor to take advantage of the agent's professional skills in selling your home.
  • It's best to be away when your agent is holding an open house
  • Keep pets outdoors, in one area, or remove while house is being shown
  • Keep money and other valuable items out of sight

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