Selling a Home > Preparing Your Home For Sale 

Preparing Your Home For Sale 

If you are planning on selling your home, these tips will not only help you sell your home faster, but for more money also. 

CURB APPEAL 

The Exterior of Your Home Must "Knock" Them Out! (Especially the Front)Make sure your front door is fresh and clean. If the screen door is too old, either replace it or remove it completely. Spruce up your front yard and entry. Trim hedges, shrubs; mow the lawn; sweep or shovel clean the driveway and sidewalks. Also remove all debris from your property, sidewalks and street! If you have a fence, make sure it complements the curb appeal or remove it. Upgrade or redo your walkway. Plant colourful flowers near the entryway. Plant low bushes in front of your foundation. A bare foundation in front of your home can lessen its curb appeal. Paint or wash the exterior of the house including the windows, trims, shutter, casings and doors. Put down a new doormat. Fix any unattached drainpipes or loose gutters. Make sure the driveway is in good condition, and remove oil stains. Make sure 


your car is clean or waxed if parked in the driveway or in front  security. 

of the house. Repair Cracked Stucco. Wash all windows, inside and out. Make sure the paint is not chipped or flaking. Replace any damaged shingles, especially those in the front. Fix ripped window screens or remove them. Fix broken doorsteps. Make sure they feel safe. Repaint if necessary. Make sure the doorbell works. Make sure your mailbox and lighting device look new. Replace all burned out light bulbs. Clear Patios or decks of children's toys, garden tools, etc. Display nice patio furniture to enhance the deck or patio. Make the property next door look its best too! 

THE FOYER 

The Foyer supports the desire to look further. Make sure it is clean no cluttered furniture light fixtures sparkle floors are spotless and the general area is inviting. A small entrance table with fresh cut flowers adds a nice touch. 

GENERAL INTERIOR TIPS 

Give interior walls a fresh coat of paint (off-white, white); or give it a good wash! The house should smell fresh and new. Make sure the carpets and floors are clean. Replace all burned out light bulbs. Clean and paint closets, bookshelves. Wash off your light fixtures, and remove cobwebs. Take down heavy draperies. You don't want any room dark. Glue down peeling wallpaper. Hang a colourful plant in any window with a poor view. Fix loose doorknobs. Fix sticking windows. Fix dents in walls Fix creaking floorboards. Fix cracked glass. Fix broken molding. Make sure all locks work smoothly, and doors don't stick. Keep decorative objects to a minimum. Remove or rearrange extra furniture. Cluttered rooms feel small. Remove any bad odours. Make sure there are enough smoke detectors throughout the house. This gives a sense of security. 

THE KITCHEN 

Often determines the outcome of the sale!Make sure the appliances are clean. Paint the kitchen ceiling to brighten the room. Make sure there is proper lighting. A bright kitchen is more attractive. Make sure the basic appliances and fixtures work. Wash dishes, and clear counter tops. Clear refrigerator fronts of messages, pictures, etc. Replace fixtures that are worn or leaking. Update appliances with today's colours. Make sure the kitchen cabinets are clean, and coloured light. Add laminated wire shelves, and storage space. Replace old cabinet knobs with newer styles. Remove and strong patterned wallpaper and paint walls in white or light yellow. Add a small fire extinguisher to give that extra touch of