Page 17 - Jon Baer Sellers Guide

P Pr re ep pa ar ri in ng g Y Yo ou ur r H Ho om me e f fo or r t th he e M Ma ar rk ke et t

Your home’s first impression on a prospective Purchaser is its most important one.
The first thing you should do is clean, clean and then clean some more. Freshly
painted walls and doors will make an impact as well. Ask your Realtor for
specific advice, as they know what your competition is in the marketplace. Here is
a list of “must dos” for every Seller:

• Mow the lawn, keep it neatly edged; trim shrubs so Purchasers can see your home
• Paint the front door and polish or replace the hardware and front door mat
• Replace any torn screens or broken windows
• Make sure the doorbell is working with a pleasant chime and can be heard
from the front door
• All outside lighting should be working; clean light surfaces to get the
brightest light possible (no dirt or cobwebs!)
• Repair exterior wall cracks and or discoloration; paint the
house if needed, it’s money well spent
• Clean the driveway and garage of any stains; remove all boxes in the
garage to a storage unit
• Make sure the garage door is working smoothly
• Shampoo carpeting or replace if worn or discolored; a neutral color on the
floor sells far faster than a color or mixed colors
• Clean the floors, particularly the caulking on tile floors
• If doors or windows squeak or stick, fix them
• Tighten all cabinet doors and repair/replace any loose cabinet or doorknobs
• Paint interior of home a light neutral or white color as it makes
the home appear larger as well as clean
• Make the windows sparkle and clean the window coverings
• Repair all leaky faucets and freshly caulk bathtubs and showers
• Be sure all toilet seats are or look new and are firmly attached
• Purchase new shower curtains
• Repair ceiling or ventilating fans that are noisy
• Make sure all kitchen appliances are spotless and working properly
• Pack away and remove all clutter (photos, nick-knacks and collectibles) in the
house; the Purchaser needs to see your house, not your things
• Organize and clean out both your closets and your pantry
• No extension cords in view
• Keep washer and dryer as well as laundry and laundry room clean and empty
• Replace all air filters
• Pool and/or spa as well as equipment and mechanics should be kept
clean and working properly
• Inspect fences, gates and their latches; paint if necessary, replace if needed Ask
your Realtor about staging your home prior to showing or placing your home on
the market; their assistance can make rooms appear
larger. Consider storing some furniture.

Pioneer Title Agency

COMMITMENT TO SERVICE

Page 12 Page 15