The Sellers Guide

Now that you've decided to sell your home, you should begin the process of preparing your home for sale. This information is designed to guide you through the steps to help you make your home into a well-packaged and inviting product. Please choose an option from the menu on the left.

House Exterior

Quick Overview
Because a buyers opinion is formed between the car and the front door, here are a few things to keep in mind when preparing the exterior of your home for a sale:

1. CURB APPEAL

• Pick up all litter and trash
• Pick up all garden tools
• Pick up all toys
• Trim shrubs, hedges and trees
• Rake up dead leaves and pick up dead tree limbs
• Repaint or replace a worn mailbox
• Repair and/or repaint the fence
• Reseed worn patches in the lawn
• Weed and feed the lawn and garden

2. ROOF AND CHIMNEY

• Check roof for leaks
• Check roof shingles for sturdiness
• Remove debris from gutters and downspouts
• Repair or repaint gutters and downspouts
• Check chimney flue and clean obstructions
• Check flashing around vents, skylights and chimney for leaks
• Check chimney for damaged chimney caps and loose or missing mortar
• Install wire screens in roof ventilation areas

3. HOUSE EXTERIOR

• Remove old or dirty screens from windows
• Wash all windows
• Caulk in any cracks and holes in house siding
• Repair or repaint siding
• Repaint or touch up trim along the side of the house
• Check weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows
• Apply a fresh coat of paint to a worn doorway
• Repair a malfunctioning screen or storm door
• Wash steps and railings
• Replace a worn doormat
• Put up new, easily recognizable house numbers
• Spruce up the front door with potted plants

4. DRIVEWAY AND GARAGE

• Remove all weeds from the driveway
• Sweep the driveway
• Fill and seal any cracks in the driveway
• Fix and wash the garage door and windows
• Repaint the garage door
• Remove oil stains from the garage floor
• Straighten up the garage
• Hang gardening tools on the walls
• Lubricate the garage door hardware and hinges
• Sell any unwanted or outgrown item in a garage sale

House Interior

Quick Overview
Before you start on the interior, you should remove or mark all personal items on the walls or ceilings that you do not intend to leave with the house.

1. ENTRY
Check working order of doorbell and exterior light.
Clear interior entry of all clutter.
Clear and clean front hall closet.
Repaint in a neutral color.
Apply a fresh coat of polyurethane to a hardwood floor.
Replace broken door knobs.
Install new switch and outlet plates.
Put up new front door light fixtures.
Install a new door knocker and kickplate.

2. DINING ROOM
Clean the ceiling.
Clean or reglaze the windows.
Repaint in a neutral color.
Install a dimmer switch
Polish all silverware on display.
Wash and clean exhibited glassware and china.
Clean the glass on the hutch.
Repair worn upholstery on chairs.
Clean the dining room table.
Place a floral centerpiece on the table.

3. LIVING ROOM/FAMILY ROOM/DEN
Remove a worn carpet.
Remove any excess furniture.
Arrange furniture to enhance appearance.
Remove magazines, books and other personal items.
Sweep and clean fireplace, mantle and shelving.
Clean or reglaze windows.
Clear cobwebs from corners and doorways.
Repaint or touch up walls and ceilings.
Repair or replace moldings.
Clean curtains, shutters and blinds.
Check handrails and posts on stairways.
Repaint in a neutral color.
Apply a fresh coat of polyurethane to a hardwood floor.
Shampoo carpeting or wash and wax floors.
Vacuum all rooms and dust the furniture.
Replace broken switch and outlet places.
Test household security systems and smoke detectors.
Remove any items you are not leaving with the house.

4. KITCHEN
Clean all counter surfaces.
Remove all garbage.
Clean or replace filters.
Check ventilation and exhaust fan.
Clean all appliances and sinks.
Rearrange pantry and cupboard -- neat and clean.
Repair or replace chipped/damaged counter tops.
Repair or replace warped drawers.
replace dated faucets and fixtures.
Have broken appliances repaired.
Remove clutter from counter tops.
Replace handles and doorknobs on drawers and cabinets.
Clear out and clean cabinets and drawers.
Clean/replace curtains or blinds.
Replace low wattage light bulbs.
Clear walls, shelves and counter tops.
Repaint or repaper the walls in a neutral tone.

5. BATHROOM
Thoroughly clean all surfaces.
Remove all grime, water stains and mildew.
Check tiles. Replace loose or chipped ones.
Remove all personal articles.
Clean behind the door.
Replace an old toilet seat.
Grout tub and shower.
Replace dated faucets.
Check exhaust fan. Repair if necessary.
Install bright light bulbs.
Replace worn shower or bath curtains.
Clean and rearrange the medicine cabinet.
Repair leaky faucets and shower heads.
Put out fresh towels, including a guest towel.

6. BEDROOMS
Arrange furniture to improve appearance; remove excess.
Make all beds.
Replace worn bed coverings.
Open drapes and shades to brighten room.
Clean night stand and side table surface and area.
Remove personal items and clothing from all surfaces.
Install lights in the closet.
Remove all storage and clutter from the closet.
Clean or reglaze windows.
Clean behind all doors.
Remove worn carpets.
Clear cobwebs from corners and doorways.
Oil hinges on doors and tighten doorknobs.

7. BASEMENT
Clean furnace and water heating unit.
Check for pest infestation.
Hang objects on walls to minimize clutter.
Inspect for any damp spots.
Use a dehumidifier to eliminate dampness.
Check foundation for cracks and watermarks.
Examine floor joists (wall to wall supports).
Check structural beams.
Check for mildew odor -- a sign of water damage.
Make sure drains are working smoothly.
Check traps and basement waste pipes.
Check main waterline shut off.
Clean and organize laundry area.
Wrap cold water pipes with foam rubber insulation.
Change and clean filters on furnace.

8. MISCELLANEOUS
Clear and clean all closets.
Replace all burned out light bulbs.
Clean room fans.
Check attic for proper ventilation.