Getting your home ready to list can be an exciting but daunting task if you aren't sure where to begin. It's important to highlight the features of your home and present it in a way that feels clean, comfortable, welcoming, useful, and most of all, appealing to shoppers! 

Initially, buyers will focus on your property's features, cleanliness and condition. Next they will begin to hone in on the details, specific parts of the exterior, interior, yard and more.  

Most buyers will look at a total of 10 or more houses when shopping for a home- meaning they are comparative shopping, weighing the features and condition, price, and sense of connection with your home against its competition. 

It's the presentation of your home that determines the relative value they'll attach to it compared with other properties they've seen.  It's worth it to make sure that this place you live in and love shines for them as well, with fresh paint, clean carpets, working fixtures, trimmed yards, and uncluttered, welcoming decor.

I strongly recommend having a punch list of items to tackle in and around your house to get it ready for photography and listing (hopefully with me!) on the MLS. Below are some tasks that can greatly improve the appeal of your home and help it to show in its best light...

Exterior:

1) Cut grass, weed eat, trim overgrown hedges and trees, rake leaves, and pull weeds from landscaping. Stack woodpiles neatly.

2) Touch up faded, chipped, or scratched paint on exterior doors, shutters, swings, and other outdoor furniture. 

3) Pressure wash siding, porch, sidewalks, driveway, outbuildings, and any other areas covered in dirt, mildew, or moss.

4) Repair/replace broken windows and screens.  Make sure frames and seams have solid caulking.

5) Clean, repair and replace (as necessary) gutters and downspouts.

6) Replace damaged bricks, wood, and siding.

7) Make things look inviting and cozy with a new welcome mat, some hanging ferns, porch pillows, and a front door wreath.

8) Move unused vehicles, campers, and boats to another location or rear of property so they don't interfere with photos and curb appeal of home.

9) Repair broken fencing.

10) Clean pools and spas.

Interior:

1) Store toys, papers, clothes, and other personal belongings neatly in drawers and containers. 

2) Clean walls and baseboards with warm soapy water and/or a Magic Eraser. Add a fresh coat of paint in light, neutral colors

3) Shampoo carpeting.  Replace if necessary

4) Clean and wax hardwood floors. Replace if necessary.

5) Bathrooms: Clean cabinets, fixtures, mirrors and floors. Replace shower curtain, hand towels, and floor mats if needed. 

6) Kitchen: Clean cabinets, floors, hood vents, and appliances (inside and out) thoroughly.  Declutter countertops (store food items and countertop appliances in cabinets or pantry). Keep kitchen/dining table clearead and add a nice centerpiece and place settings. 

7) Wash all windows and sills.  Vacuum blinds and wash curtains if necessary.

8) Clean out and organize closets.  Make more space by packing up and storing off-season clothing, shoes, hats and other items that you won't need until after you've moved.

9) Remove extra furniture, worn rugs, and items you don't use

10) Test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and doorbells.

11) Replace broken light fixtures and light bulbs.

12) Clean pet hair and stains from furniture and flooring.  Keep litter boxes clean and in a garage or other area where they can't be smelled throughout the home.

13) Clean and deoderize any evidence of tobacco smoke.

14) Replace air conditioning filters and add dryer sheets for a fresh scent.

15) Use plug-ins in the same scent (Clean linen offers a fresh, clean smell)

16) Secure cash, jewelry and other valuables in a safe or lockbox. 

17) Dust furniture, light fixtures and ceiling fans

18) Keep blinds and curtains open and lights/lamps on for photos and showings so your home feels bright, airy and open rather than dingy and dark.

19) Keep beds made for photos and showings

20) Contain dirty laundry in hampers and tucked away in utility room or closets

I know... it seems like A LOT. But in the grand scheme of things, its enough to make your home stand out among the competition, appeal to buyers, and sell for top dollar. And in the event that it leads to an offer (or multiple!) we can go over a few additional items to focus on for inspection time.

If you have questions about any of these recommendations or are interested in selling your home, please give me a call! I would love to help you get it listing ready!