Preparing Your Home for Sale

Whether you’ve lived in your home for one year or thirty, it is not always easy to be objective and see it through the eyes of the prospective buyer. As Realtors®, we are trained to assess a property critically. We’ll make suggestions to help maximize the curb appeal and tell you what improvements, if any, might be considered inside and out. Often, the details can make all the difference. Here are some quick tips that do not cost a lot, but can be very effective:

Outside Improvements

• Keep the grass cut, the lawn raked, and trees and hedges pruned

• Plant bright flowers in the ground or in planters

• Keep the driveway and walks plowed in winter

• Wash windows, inside and out

• Power wash the house and decks

• Touch up with paint as necessary

• If you have an underground oil tank, consider having it removed, pursuant to your town fire department’s rules, and replace it with an above-ground tank

Inside Improvements

• Paint the interior as necessary

• Wash the floors and bathroom tiles regularly

• Shampoo dirty carpets, wax floors

• Clear the clutter. Clean out your closets, kitchen cabinets, garage, basement and attic and use a self storage unit, if necessary

• Do not smoke inside the house-- it is the first thing non-smokers smell when they open the front door

• Replace dented and scratched door knobs

• Repair leaky faucets

• Replace light bulbs as necessary, using high wattage bulbs for added brightness

• Clean up after your pets-- change litter boxes frequently and vacuum their hair

• Keep the kitchen sink free of dishes and the counters clear

• Make the beds before leaving the house

• Display fresh flowers throughout the house

• Keep the lights on when you leave the house