Preparing your House for Sale

Responsibility of Seller

the Attorney

Seller Costs

Checklist for Moving

Selling Guide - Preparing your Home for Selling

The best way to get top dollar for your house is to get it into first-rate "showing" condition. The buyer's first impression of your house is very important and by making some quick and simple improvements in your house, you can enhance your property markedly and assure top dollar and a quick sale.

Exterior Work:

When the prospective buyer pulls up to your house, that is your first chance to make a good impression. Keep your lawn trimmed, edged, watered and fertilized. The flowerbeds should be cultivated. Bushes should be neatly trimmed and your garage door should be kept closed. In addition, remove toys, old cars and campers and keep your fences and gates in good repair. During the winter, keep snow and ice removed from the porch stoop, sidewalks and steps. Most important, remember that the front door welcomes the prospective buyer so make sure it is freshly painted and consider adding a seasonal door decoration for a warm, inviting touch.

Your Walls:

In general, there is no hard-and-fast rule about whether or not to repaint the interior walls of your house. However, dirty walls and warn and scratched woodwork will reduce the appeal of your house. A little liquid cleaner can work wonders on scratched and dry woodwork, paneling and kitchen cabinets.

The Kitchen:

Believe it or not, the kitchen and bath are the rooms that traditionally sell houses. (Most experts agree, it is not cost-efficient to remodel a kitchen in anticipation of selling. There are ways to make your kitchen sparkle. Repair leaky faucets and remove stains from the kitchen counter and sink. Next, clean the interior of your oven and dishwasher, as someone is sure to open them and dirty appliances can convey an impression that will extend to the rest of the house. Finally, to make your kitchen seem roomy, remove most items from the counter and pack away extra items in your kitchen cabinets. Always be aware of cooking odors.

The Bath:

Sparkling bathrooms help sell houses, so be sure to replace stained or torn shower curtains, repair caulking and grout in tubs and showers and make sure all fixtures are polished and free of water stains.

Avoid Clutter:

Make your closets look larger by removing or packing items than can be stored elsewhere. Neat, well-organized closets show that there is ample space. In addition, remove excess furniture and other items that you seldom use and keep newspapers. Toys and other articles picked up.

Clean Windows are a Must: sparkling windows highlight your walls and ceilings and let more light into your rooms. Also, keep your curtains and draperies open to let prospective buyers see how cheerful your house can be.

The Garage:

To the homebuyer, the perfect garage holds a car. Sell, give away, or toss unnecessary articles. Clean the oily cement floor. Install a strong overhead light.

The Basement:

Again, the goal is to make the basement look roomy. Organize, hang tools on pegboards and out items on shelves. Clean the exterior of your water heater, change your furnace filter and clear a path to all of the major systems to make the inspection access easy.

The Attic:

Your buyers are going to want to see every inch of storage space in your house, so don't overlook the attic. Straighten it up and throw out anything you are not going to move. Make sure it is well lit and your energy-saving insulation in apparent.