The following checklist will help your home stand head and shoulders above the competition.
Exterior
- Yard is mowed and edged.
- All refuse is collected and hauled away.
- Flowerbeds are cultivated.
- Exterior paint is in good condition.
- Exterior walls are in good condition, with any damaged wallboards replaced and bricks and mortar replaced as required.
- Roof is in good condition and repaired if necessary.
- Screens and screen doors are in good condition.
- Fresh paint on front door if necessary.
- All exterior lighting is in working order.
Interior
- Walls are clean and unmarked.
- Windows are clean inside and out.
- All plumbing is in good order: repair leaky faucets, and remove stains and mildew from sinks and tubs.
- All doors open and close easily. All hardware is in place.
- Unneeded materials are removed from attic, basement, garage, and other storage areas.
- Kitchen is sparkling clean, counter tops are uncluttered, and all dishes are placed in cabinets.
- Every room is neatly arranged to display maximum floor space.
- Closets are neatly arranged and unneeded materials are removed.
- All lighting fixtures and lamps have bulbs and are in working order.
Hints on Showing Your Home
- When possible, arrange for you or your family to be away from your home during a showing. Prospects will feel less like an intruder if the home is vacated and will take more time to thoroughly inspect your home.
- Eliminate any distractions for the prospectus by making sure that the radio and television sets are turned off.
- If you have a dog, be sure that it is penned up outside.
- Whether your home is being shown in the daytime or at night, always leave enough lighting on, both inside and out, to brighten every corner of your home.
- If it is necessary for you to be at home during a showing, we suggest that you allow the agent to direct the prospective buyer through the home. Your agent is thoroughly familiar with the prospect’s needs and can best emphasize the features of your home. If the prospectus has any questions about your home, they will be discussed with you at the proper time. It is always best for you not to discuss with any prospect the areas of price, terms, possession or other factors related to the sale of your home. Your agent is in a better position to handle these matters.
If You Vacate Your Home Before It Is Sold
- Make arrangements for property to be maintained, including the yard.
- Contact you insurance company to tell them that you are vacating, and arrange for continued coverage.
- Leave utilities on, and set heating or cooling at a comfortable level.
- Inform your agent where to contact you, so that contracts to purchase your home can be presented without delay.