Improving the value of your property typically requires making improvements that add square footage or enhance functionality, such as a room addition or converting a closet to a bathroom. The following ideas will improve your homes saleability without having to make costly value improvements. Your home will sell faster and bring a higher sale-to-list-price ratio than the competition when the following factors have been addressed. Your homes saleability ration is primarily a function of condition. Use this list as a guide to prepare your home for a showing.
Landscaping.Is Your Grass Greener?
Keep your lawn mowed frequently & keep it fertilized
Weed your plant beds and trim any overgrown trees and plantings
Sod or re-seed problem areas
Repair, repaint or clean lamps/lamp posts, the mailbox, birdbaths/statuary, basketball hoops
WelcomeYour Front Door Makes The First Impression
Clean or paint the front door
Wash glass in storm door, sidelights, porch lights
Adjust latches, locks and handles
Repair front walk/steps and keep them clean and free of debris
Polish hardware including knobs, locks and door knockers
Clean doorbell and insure it is proper operation
You Do Do Windows Dont You?
Clean windows reflect well on you
Clean windows make a home brighter
Clean windows make window coverings more attractive
Remove Clutter.
Collections must be organized (better yet, pack and store them!)
Items on horizontal surfaces should be kept to a minimum
Pack and store knickknacks
Remove yesterdays newspaper, display current magazines issues only
Sort and discard personal items (or have a garage sale!)
Store extra furniture
Keep toys, schoolbooks, athletic equipment picked up
The KitchenThe Most Important Room In The House.
Countertops must be clean and uncluttered
Stove top, oven, sink, dishwasher (everything must be spic and span)
Wet mop the floor as often as necessary
Organize pantry, cabinets and storage areas
Keep food storage areas (cabinets, pantry, refrigerator) clean and fresh
Buyers often judge the whole house by the condition of the oven/stove top
Bathrooms Clean, Bright, Hygienic.
Ceramic fixtures must sparkle
Polish handles and controls
Bathrooms must smell fresh
Fresh color-coordinated towels (use a special home-showing set)
Store personal items, such as razors, toothbrushes, shampoos, etc.
Closets and Other Storage Mysteries.
Keep them clean
Sort, store and pack out-of-season clothes
Organize shoes, ties, belts, scarves, etc.
Repair shelving and hardware
Make sure doors operate easily
Appliances/Mechanicals.
Clean all appliances frequently inside and out
Vacuum or dust around the furnace
Change the furnace filter (every 30 days)
Clean the water heater/water softener tanks
Repair noisy or poorly operating equipment
Security system. Make sure it is in working order
Decorating.
Polish and dust wood surfaces
Re-glue peeling wall paper
Fill, patch and paint nail holes
Replace broken switch plates and electrical outlet covers
Pack and store that special hard-to-decorate-around wall-hanging Aunt Alice gave you as a wedding gift
Repaint walls neutral colors
Clean and polish hardwood floors and clean carpets (replace when worn or offer a carpet allowance)
Repairs.
Obvious repairs must be completed before showing your home
Gutters and downspouts
Window panes
Water pimp leaks
Broken licks and latches
Driveway and sidewalks
Replace missing siding or tuck point brick/stone work