Before You Sell Checklist

Sponsored by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

 

Selling your home?
 It’s a great time to think about home improvements to add value to your house, and catch potential buyers’ attention.

 

This checklist provides several simple, inexpensive ways to increase the appeal of your home, inside and out. It’s also a good idea to talk to a REALTOR® who can offer helpful advice about giving your home that extra advantage.

 

Before You Sell    ----     What You’ll Need

Do a little landscaping

Replace mulch.                                                                                    
Pressure wash the house.
Edge  sidewalks.
Remove vegetation between concrete and bricks.
Trim tree limbs that are near the roof.
Cut the grass.
Prune hedges.
Freshen  flowerbeds.
Clear away dead trees and debris.

 

Tools: Extension Ladder and  Pressure Washer          

          

Make your home more welcoming

Paint your front door.
Add some new house numbers.
Get a new lockset, kick plate and house number combination that
Coordinates  with  a new light fixture.

 

Materials: House Numbers, Kickplate, Lighting Fixtures, Paint

 

Refresh your deck

Power wash deck clean.
Reseal the deck.
Use a wood lattice to enclose unsightly areas underneath.
Add a bright umbrella.
Replace cushions on furniture.
Decorate with potted plants and flowers.
Accent  with a small fountain.
Install wind chimes to create a serene atmosphere buyers are sure to appreciate.
Use citronella candles to deter bugs.

 

Tools: Pressure Washer
Materials: Citronella Candles, Deck Sealer, Patio Umbrella, Fountain 

 

Repair every imperfection

Patch small cracks.                                                                                                                                          
Replace broken tiles.
Replace old fixtures.

 

Tools: Squeegee or Grout Sponge, Waterproof Gloves
 Materials: Drywall Patching Plaster, Drywall Scraps for Patches, Drywall Tape, Faucet, Grout Sealant,
                    Indoor Tile, Plumber’s Putty, Silicon Caulk

 

Clean every spot

Scrub the bathroom and kitchen floors.                                                                                             
Steam clean rugs.
Polish hardwood floors.
Wash windows inside and out.

 

Tools: Scrub Brush, Squeegee or Grout Sponge, Steam Cleaner, Waterproof Gloves
Materials: Cleaning Agent, Floor Polish, Rags, Window Cleaner

 

Minimize the clutter

Remove all personal items and pictures and place personal items in storage.
Clear clutter from the floor by using a shoe cube organizer.
Store all children’s toys.
Add wire shelving / closet shelving for additional storage space.
Add a fresh coat of paint inside closets to make everything look clean and organized.
Place a few cedar blocks in your closet for a great scent.

 

Materials: Cedar Blocks, Moving Boxes, Paint, Shelving

 

Improve energy efficiency

Install a programmable thermostat.   
Place weather-stripping on doors and windows.                              
Wrap pipes to conserve energy.
nsulate your water heater.
Replace furnace filters.
Replace old appliances with energy-efficient ones.

 

Materials: Filters, Programmable Thermostat, Water Heater Insulation, Weather stripping

 

Give your favorite space a makeover

Paint walls in neutral colors like linen, cream and beige.
Use thin drapes in a neutral color to accent.
Switch generic switches with painted or ceramic ones.
Boost the look of natural lighting with daylight bulbs.
Add a throw rug to give a touch of softness to the place.

 

Materials: Accent rugs, Paint, Switch Covers, Window Drapes

 

Create a camera-ready kitchen

Paint walls with white or neutral paint that complements the cabinets.
Replace existing hardware with cabinet pulls and knobs for a new look.
Install new lighting under the cabinet for a dramatic effect.
Highlight the island or countertop with a simple fixture.
Replace vinyl blinds with sheer bamboo or linen blinds.

 

Design a relaxing space

Paint walls in soft, sedated colors like light blue, pale green or cream.      
Install a new faucet, fixtures and towel bars.
Put in a medicine cabinet for added storage.
Buy new towels in a light or neutral color.
Replace the shower curtain and bathmat. A new shower curtain offers that “new car” smell.
Keep the room looking clutter-free by organizing bath accessories in a shower caddy.
Add a new bath mat.

Materials: Bath Mat, Faucet, Medicine Cabinet, Paint, Shower Curtains