Is Your Home Ready to Show?

Make sure you’ve done everything you can - inside and out - to make your home as attractive as possible in the eyes of the buyer. First impressions last. And homes that look their best tend to sell faster and command every dollar they’re worth. Use this checklist when preparing and showing your home for sale.

• A fresh coat of paint for home, garage, even fences - may be the one improvement that creates the most positive first impression.
  
  
• Lawn trimmed, clear of debris.
  
  
• Gutters sealed and downspouts clean.
  
  
• Tidy front entrance. Door brass polished, worn trim or rusty mail box painted.
  Storms and screens cleaned. New doormat put out. If possible, keep front curbside free of parked cars.
  
  
• Painting inside walls can pay dividends far beyond the time, effort and expense involved.
  
  
• Tend to "little things" - oil squeaking doors, tighten loose cabinet knobs, take out removable stains, replace damaged floor tiles.
  
  
• All windows, doors and drawers should open and close easily. Fasten loose tread plates, clean soiled carpeting.
  
  
• The kitchen is the one place in the home that buyers look at closely. Tighten leaky faucets, repair faulty wall switches, outlets, light fixtures and any appliances that will "go with the home."
  
  
• The bathroom gets close scrutiny too. Keep it spotless. Tiles scrubbed and grouted, faucets polished, toiletries and medicines in their chest. Laundry items in closed hamper.
  
  
• Cleaned windows and clear, uncluttered closets and basement contribute to a more attractive home.
  
  
• Clear out accumulated items from closets, cabinets and under counters - also from the garage. Consider holding a garage sale prior to showing your home.
  
  

Click here for a printable version of this list