Preparing Your Home To Sell

Photo by Holly

Now that you have decided to sell your house, you want your home to look as appealing as possible. And I'm not talking only about cleaning the place: there are several other items on your to-do list that have to be checked before you can hold your first open house. If you follow this list, you shall be able to make your house appear like a model home.

Clean. I know that you do that all the time, but now pay even more attention to washing windows inside and out, make all appliences sparkle, polish faucets and mirrors. Don't forget to clean ceiling fan blades and light fixtures. Vacuum, dust, clean and deodorize all window coverings, carpets and upholstery

Remove and rearrange. Get rid of all the excess furniture, as less stuff shows more space. It might be a good idea to remove extra leaves from that large dining room table. Also clear paths from room to room. If necessary, rearrange bedroom closets, kitchen cabinets & drawers.

Accessorize. It's wise to use free standing lamps and high wattage bulbs to brighten rooms. You can enhance old furniture bu using pillows and throws to coordinate colours. Warm up your rooms with flowers and plants.

Depersonalize. This is an often overlooked activity, but it's extremely important to remove your personal pictures and items before you show your house to the potential buyer. Remove children's toys, pet beds and litter boxes. Then go around and try to look at each room as a buyer.

Replace. Even if your old, worn-out carpet cost you a fortune - replace it! Also look for any broken ceramic tiles or damaged hardwood floorsand to repair. I know that you might have gotten used to those concrete basement floor of yours, but now it's time to paint it.

Repair. It's high time to mend leaking toilets, faucets, squeaky cupboard doors, drawers. You should also replace old caulking. Get rid of all old leaks and water damage on walls and ceilings

Finish. For curb appeal, it's extremelz important to have a welcoming entrance from the street to the front door. So manicure lawns, bushes and trees in your garden, if necessery, remove old trees and shrubs. Finally, wash down sidewalks, driveways and decks.