Inside
Have the carpet shampooed; wax the floors, wash the walls, windows,
drapes and lighting fixtures. Consider engaging a cleaning service,
recognizing that it is a justified moving expense.
Clear off counter tops. Leave your canisters and little else. Maximize
the available counter space. These rooms should be gleaming. If
unsightly, have the tub re-caulked and remove mineral deposits and
grime from the shower walls. Clean the stove, microwave and refrigerator.
Like the garage, its time has come to be liberated. Remember, you
can do it now and benefit with a more attractive home on the market,
or you can do it several months from now, in the process of moving
when there is no advantage. Do it now.
Identify and repair dripping faucets, sticking or creaking doors,
etc. When people see areas of disrepair they begin to wonder whether
there may be other unseen problems.
Remove out of season clothing. Organize your clothing and the shoes
on the floor. Remove all clutter from cabinets and closets.
The less furniture, the larger a room appears to be.
As a rule, do everything to lighten the appearance of the home.
Raise the blinds, open the drapes and use light colors. Repaint
any room beginning to look shabby.
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Outside
Walk the property with a pad and pencil. List anything that
you think is less than satisfactory without regard to cost or time.
You can review the list afterwards to determine what you can and
can’t repair.
Take a close look as you walk the property. Clean anything that
looks unkempt or dirty; repair or replace anything that looks loose,
dingy, rusted or broken. Make sure the door bell works. Replace
a tired-looking mailbox; clean the exterior light fixtures and wash
the windows. Try to spot hanging o rusty gutters, crooked antenna,
loose shingles or shutters.
Turn and weed the bed; trim the trees and shrubs. Lay in ground
cover. Mend the fence, fix the gate latch. Pick up liter. Consider
a landscaping/lawn service.
Examine and spot paint your out door furniture. If it’s rusty
or un-repairable consider disposing of the pieces.
It’s the first thing your buyers see as they stand and wait
for the door to open. It’s worth the extra effort to spruce
it up.
The time has come. Discard virtually everything in the garage that
hasn’t been used for a year. Wash it down. |
