Sellers
Selling your home...Selling your home can be a stressful experience, but with careful planning and preparations,
you can turn your home into an attractive financial investment for a new buyer.
SELLER’S CHECKLIST
Your major role as a seller will be to make your home as attractive as possible to potential buyers. When showing your home to prospective buyers remember that first impressions are the most lasting.
YOUR HOME'S EXTERIOR CREATES THE PROSPECTIVE BUYER'S FIRST IMPRESSION
Use this checklist to make sure the exterior of your home is ready for showing:
•Lawn is well cut and neatly trimmed.
•Flower garden is weeded.
•Shrubs are trimmed and dead trees and branches are eliminated.
•All debris is disposed of.
•Lawn equipment is neatly stored.
•Fences and gates are repaired and repainted, if necessary.
•The roof and gutters are repaired, if necessary.
•Cracked windows and torn screens are replaced.
•Screens, windows and window sills are washed.
•Doorknobs are polished.
•Lights are in working order.
A CLEAN HOME LEAVES A LASTING IMPRESSION
Interior dirt and clutter take away from the home’s appeal, so start with a full house cleaning from top to bottom. Store unused or unnecessary items in closets and storage areas or hold a garage sale. Eliminating clutter will make your home look more spacious.
Take an inspection tour of your home, observing it as a potential buyer would:
•Walls are clean and free of smudges, fingerprints and dents.
•Woodwork and wallpaper are inspected for problem areas
•Curtains and drapes are freshly laundered or cleaned.
•Rugs and carpets are shampooed. Floors are waxed.
•Loose doorknobs, sticking doors and windows are repaired.
•Leaky faucets are fixed.
•Loose stair banisters are tightened and steps are free of objects.
•Light fixtures have bulbs replaced.
•Closets, shelves and drawers are organized.
•Bathrooms are sparkling clean.
•Bedrooms are neat. Bedspreads and curtains are attractive.
•The kitchen is clean.
•The basement, attic and garage are well organized.
•Mirrors are clean.
OVER-IMPROVING DOESN'T PAY
Don't plan major improvements on your home. Most home buyers want to make their own major changes. Add allowances for carpet, painting etc… if necessary.
HERE ARE SOME LAST-MINUTE DETAILS THAT WILL MAXIMIZE YOUR HOME'S SELLING POTENTIAL
•The television and radio are turned off
•Children and pets are sent outdoors to play or otherwise entertained to eliminate confusion and to keep the prospect's attention focused positively on your house.
•Bad odors are eliminated.
•The house has adequate lighting
•Wood is stored next to the fireplace. In winter a fire is lit.
•Fresh flowers are arranged tastefully around the house.
FAQs
How do I select a real estate professional to sell my home?
What improvements should I make to my home before selling it?
As the seller, how do I prepare for the closing?
Calculators
Additional Information
What Every Home Seller and Buyer Should Know About Title Insurance