Plan Ahead

• Visualize your home as a model home that you would want to walk into and prepare to take action
• Walk through each room and criticize the home from a buyer’s perspective.
• Ask a local real estate professional for their advice.
• Consider getting a professional home inspection to see if any repairs are needed, it could prevent a transaction from derailing later on.
• Hire a contractor to handle major projects.
• Consider getting an appraisal to find out your current market value in order to set expectations and price it to sale.
• Hold a yard sale. Sell, donate or trash anything you don’t need. See Garage Sales for more information.

Clean, Declutter and Depersonalize

• Thoroughly clean the entire home inside and out
• Scrub tile in the kitchen and bathrooms
• Clean floors
• Steam clean carpets and drapes. Consider replacing carpet if stains are obvious
• Repair cracks and holes in the walls.
• Paint interior walls with neutral colors, like beige, cream or light pastels
• Remove excess and oversized furniture
• Rearrange furniture to maximize space
• Organize room closets
• Remove all small appliances, toys, magazines and pet items
• Remove family photos, personal collections and medications
• Remove items from the garage and store elsewhere
• Secure valuable items such as cash, jewelry, private documents

Maximize Curb Appeal

• Paint the home’s exterior, including trim, doors and shutters if needed
• Check front door, doorbell, address number and welcome mat
• Power wash the siding and windows
• Inspect the roof and make repairs as needed
• Repair cracks in the driveway and sidewalks
• Sweep the entryway and walkways
• Mow, water and fertilize the lawn
• Trim shrubs and trees and rake the leaves
• Plant colorful flowers and shrubs
• Store any toys or equipment lying on the yard
• Clean the gutters and downspouts

Pay Attention to Kitchens and Bathrooms

• Mop and wax/polish the floors
• Clear the countertops, including small appliances to make space look larger
• Replace outdated hardware
• Clean appliances and fixtures
• Clean and organize the pantry, cabinets and drawers
• Replace old caulking around sinks and bathtubs
• Remove stains from sinks, toilets and bathtubs
• Keep all toilet seat lids closed
• Hang fresh towels

Appeal to the Senses

• Have scented candles
• Install higher wattage incandescent light bulbs to brighten rooms
• Turn on all the lights
• Open windows to let in fresh air
• Open curtains or blinds to let in natural light and show off views
• Turn off TVs
• Remove pets
• Do not smoke in the house

Show Off Your Home’s Best Features

• Remove rugs to show off hardwood floors
• Pull back drapes to showcase nice views
• Stage the front porch or deck with furniture and potted plants
• Make sure fireplaces are in working condition
• Clean the backyard and pool area