Tips for Getting Your Home Ready to Sell

Getting your home ready to sell can can seem like a daunting task especially if you have lived in your home for many years. The tips below will help you focus on what is important and will help you see your home in a new light. Your home needs to show well to compete with brand new homes which may also be on the market.

Getting the Outside of Your Home Ready to Sell

1. Repairs:
   • Ensure that all repairs are done prior to your home being listed.
2. Curb Appeal:
   • Remove clutter from the front yard
   • Remove weeds, and keep grass cut and shrubs and trees trimmed
   • Clean windows
   • Repair and clean driveway and walkway surfaces
   • Check that lights work
   • Ensure that all gates work well and are oiled
   • Replace old caulking
   • Repaint or clean the exterior of your house
3. Roof and Chimney:
   • Remove any moss or debris from roof and gutters
   • Have your roof inspected and necessary repairs done

Getting the Inside of Your Home Ready to Sell

1. General:
   • Remove clutter
   • Clean floors and carpets
   • Consider repainting the entryway and main areas of the house
   • Ensure all lights work
   • Remove cobwebs
   • Eliminate unpleasant odors such as litter boxes
   • Ensure all windows work and safety features such as handrails are secure
   • Closets should look uncluttered
   • Remove and lock away any valuables
2. Kitchens and Bathrooms:
   • Kitchens and bathrooms are the most important rooms to upgrade
   • Replace old caulking
   • Remove artwork and ornaments
   • Consider installing new water-saving toilets
   • Clean mirrors and appliances
   • Fix dripping faucets
3. Basement:
   • Fix cracks or water seepage issues
   • Get rid of clutter
   • Change furnace filters
4. Garage:
   • Remove clutter
   • Use cleaning solutions to remove oil stains from the floor

What to do Just Before Your House is Shown

Just before your house is shown, open all the drapes and blinds, open a few windows, put out fresh flowers, take out garbage, and set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature. It is always a good idea to leave the house when it is being shown. If possible, also remove pets from the house. Leave out heating and hydro bills. If you have a septic system, leave out inspections and maintenance information.