110 WAYS TO SUCCESSFULLY SELL YOUR HOME FOR THE HIGHEST PRICE IN THE SHORTEST TIME
EXTERIOR
Landscaping
1. Plan ahead and plant grass seed where needed as the lawn can be a real turnoff or a “turn on."
2. It’s a good idea to prune away any trees that distract from the view of your home. Pruning low limbs on trees can make a major difference.
3. Clean up everything. Make sure that any debris or broken fence parts, bricks, yard lights
and mail boxes are in good repair.
4. Remove any dead or dying shrubs, and replace them with fresh ones.
5. Put new mulch in the flowerbeds, around shrubbery and the base of trees.
6. Make sure that all walkways are cleaned and in good repair.
7. If you don’t know what to do, hire a landscaping company to evaluate your property and
give you a plan.
8. Make sure that all exterior lighting works properly.
9. Keep your lawn cut and neatly trimmed.
10. Use large pots of flowers or green plants on the deck or the front porch.
11. Hanging plants can also create a favorable impression.
12. Repair cracks and damages in the driveway and in some instances it’s a good idea to have an asphalt driveway resealed before showing.
13. If your home is going to be marketed during the winter months when ice could be a
problem it’s important that you keep driveways and walkways cleaned and safe.
Exterior of the building
Landscaping
14. Repair and replace any broken or rotted trim and siding.
15. Paint everything that needs painting. Most people prefer to buy a home that is in good
repair and ready to move in. A home which needs to be painted is a real turnoff, especially
if there are other homes from which to choose.
16. Replace any missing shingles from the roof.
17. Clean, repair, and replace any gutters and downspouts that are defective.
18. Invest in a new doormat.
19. Check all screens and storm windows to make sure they are in good repair.
20. Consider “power washing” the exterior and the walkways, decks, driveways, etc.
21. Paint the mailbox and the post.
22. It’s important to create an “outdoor room” as it makes a house feel like home. You can do this effectively by covering a picnic table with a vinyl tablecloth, an arrangement of silk
flowers, and a few plastic plates and flatware. This could be created on a screened-in porch,deck or in the rear yard.
23. Placing a potted plant on a front porch or stoop can make a positive impact on a person’s first impression. Take care to make sure it’s a positive reflection of your home.
24. Have the windows and windowsills cleaned inside and out.
25. Paint everything that is in question.
INTERIOR
26. Clean all the carpets and replace those that are worn or stained beyond cleaning.
27. Remove any dated items such as wallpaper, carpets, light fixtures, etc. If you’re not certain about what to do, consider using the services of an interior decorator or professional organizer to help you make the right choices. It’s a good idea to use someone who is involved in the new homes industry as they are more in tune with what people are looking for in a home.
28. Be very careful about selecting paint colors, wallpaper and carpets if you decide to fix it up. Many buyers have a hard time looking beyond bold colors on the floor or on the walls. The idea is to get the home as close to neutral as possible and you can do this by using
neutral tones.
29. Repair any dings in the trim or cabinets. Hardware stores have a variety of new products that can make this job easy and fun.
30. Replace any hardware like doorstops, hinges, doorknobs, shower rods, faucets and switch guards that have become worn, discolored or damaged.
31. Clean all the windows including the skylights.
32. Make sure that all light fixtures are clean and in working order.
33. Repair and/or replace any plumbing fixtures that are defective.
34. One of the most important things that you can do is to make sure that the home is
immaculate and stays that way. Many homeowners use the services of a professional
cleaning service to get the home ready and to keep it in “ready to show” condition during
the selling process.
35. The idea is to make every area of the house sparkle and shine.
SPACE MANAGEMENT
36. It’s important that all clutter be removed from every room and every closet.
37. Remove all of the boxes and clothes from the closets that are not going to be needed
during the showing process.
38. It may be a good idea to rent a storage space to store all of the items that are in the way. Don’t store them in the attic or garage as they still are a problem.
39. Pack up all of your collectables to both protect them and to give the rooms a more spacious feeling and appearance.
40. Leave just enough accessories to give the home a personal touch but not so many that they become a distraction.
41. Use light to make the home appear more spacious.
42. Take time to open the drapes and blinds.
43. Make sure that all the lights throughout the house are on before a showing.
ROOM ANALYSIS
The Front Entry—This is the area that forms the first impression of the house and it really needs your attention.
44. Make sure that the entry is in as near-perfect condition as possible.
45. The front door should be freshly painted.
46. If the doorknob and locks are not bright and shiny, they need to be replaced.
47. Well-placed and carefully chosen mirrors and rugs add to the appearance of any foyer or entry area.
48. Remove any off-season clothing or other items from the entry hall closet that can be
stored elsewhere.
49. Remove any musty odor by adding a bag of cedar chips or some other fresh scent.
50. Put a fresh coat of paint in the entry closet to brighten it.
51. Water container plants/flowers. Replace if necessary.
52. Dust entry table or shelves.
THE LIVING ROOM/FAMILY ROOM
53. Dust surfaces (including TV screen).
54. Straighten coffee table, bookshelves, and other areas.
55. Stow away newspapers, magazines, books, games, toys and videos.
56. Vacuum rugs or mop floor.
57. Vacuum upholstered furniture; wipe down leather or vinyl.
58. Sweep fireplace.
59. Wipe down ceiling fan blades.
60. Water houseplants.
THE KITCHEN
61. Mop or vacuum floor.
62. Clean appliances.
63. Avoid clutter! Clear items from countertops and cabinets.
64. Wipe countertops and cabinets.
65. Clean sink.
66. Stow away kitchen sponge and dish towels.
67. Open windows or run fan to remove cooking odors.
68. Open windows or run fan to remove cooking odors.
69. Clean off the top of the refrigerator.
THE DINING ROOM
70. Visually imagine a large dining area.
71. Remove extra “company” chairs.
72. Take one or two leaves out of the dining table.
73. Add fresh or silk flowers as a centerpiece on your dining table.
THE HOME OFFICE
74. Dust surfaces, including computer screen.
75. Stow away files, preferably “off site.”
76. Mop floor or vacuum rugs.
77. Polish cabinets and woodwork.
78. Straighten desk and bookshelves.
79. Give away anything you do not use or is no longer needed.
THE BEDROOMS
80. Large master bedrooms are extremely popular today. Make your bedroom appear larger.
81. Paint the room a light color.
82. Remove one of the dressing tables or bureaus if the room is crowded.
83. Get rid of the clutter.
84. Decorate the private bath of the master to coordinate with the bedroom.
85. Imagine you are in the “Bed and Breakfast” business.
86. Make closets look spacious.
87. Remove and store all out of season clothing.
88. Remove any items from the floor area.
89. Lighted closets look bigger, are more attractive and allow buyers to inspect the interiors—there are many battery-operated lights on the market.
90. Remove any unusual or personal wall hangings such as posters and store them until your home is sold.
THE BATHROOMS
91. Empty wastebaskets.
92. Remove laundry.
93. Put out fresh towels.
94. Clear off countertop and store all personal care products.
95. Dispose of old prescriptions and polish the shelves in the medicine cabinet.
96. Repair leaking faucets.
97. Clean off mineral deposits with vinegar or a commercial cleaner.
98. Replace old shower curtains.
99. Clean and repair caulking.
100. Display perfumed guest soap and add a plant for freshness.
THE BASEMENT
101. Sweep stairs.
102. Clear clutter blocking access to furnace, electrical box or laundry room.
THE GARAGE
This is a very important part of a home for most buyers. It is important that it be cleaned and organized just as you would the other rooms in the house.
103. A fresh coat of paint on the walls and the floor can make a huge difference.
104. Remove any stains or paint on the floor and repair any cracks or damages.
105. Remove any items that are not going to be used during the time that the house is going to be marketed.
106. Clutter and trash left in the garage destroys the one main thing most people are looking for in a garage—space. Make it look spacious!
107. If your garage is small and accommodates one car, it is a good idea to leave the car in the driveway to give the appearance of spaciousness.
108. If you have a two car garage, leave one car in the driveway when the house is being shown.
109. If the garage is dark, add more light. A well-lit and well-organized garage appears to be larger and thus adds value to the home.
STAGING YOUR HOME
110. One of the most important steps in the selling process is staging your home. Each room should be inviting, fresh, clutter-free and clean.
Less is better when it comes to pictures, knickknacks and mementos. Pack away extras before even starting the cleaning process. You are selling your house and potential prospects need to be able to picture their furnishings in your property.
Arrange furniture in a way that makes each room appear as large as possible. If you need help with this process, I can be candid about what to pack and what to leave. Or I will put you in contact with a professional who will help you with this for a nominal fee.