Preparing Your Home

           A good first impression (curb appeal) really does make a difference.  Most veteran Realtors can relate experiences when the potential buyer takes a quick look from the car and says “Let’s just skip this one”.  While most good Realtors will point out the attractive features waiting beyond the front door -- it’s an uphill battle.

 The Exterior:   

 ____  Lawn is well cut and neatly trimmed around the walks and driveway.

 ____  Flower gardens/planters are weeded.  Add specimens that are currently blooming if needed.  Fresh bark or rock is a nice touch.

 ____  Shrubs and Trees are trimmed.

 ____  All debris is disposed of and toys and lawn equipment are neatly stored.

 ____  Fences and gates are repaired and repainted if necessary.

 ____  The roof, gutters and downspouts are in good repair.

 ____  Driveways and sidewalks are washed down and cracks and crumbling areas are repaired.

 ____  Doorbell and front lights are clean and in good working order.

 ____  The front door should shine!  -- Buy a new Welcome Mat?

 * If you would have planned to paint the house within the coming year, consider painting the house before putting it on the market.  A new paint job, well done, will normally enhance the sale value a good deal more than the cost of the job.

 ** If your home’s exterior looks clean, orderly and in good repair, that’s the impression your house will first convey.  And, first impressions are powerful and lasting.

Prepared by Mark Sponheim, Realtor -- www.Homes365.com

The Interior

 * Interior dirt and clutter can be a distraction to buyers and obscure your home’s good points.  Start with a full housecleaning from top to bottom,  store seldom used or unnecessary items in closets and storage areas.  You might consider a garage sale and donations to your charity of choice.  By eliminating clutter your home will look more spacious -- something attractive to most buyers. 

 ** Take an inspection tour of your own home -- wearing the hat of a potential buyer.  This may show you some areas to work on.  The following checklist is designed to help you make sure your home is ready to show.

 ____  Walls are clean and free of smudges, finger prints and nail holes.

 ____  Woodwork and wallpaper are inspected for problem areas;       wallpaper is cleaned and woodwork waxed.

 ____  Badly worn furniture is stored out of sight or disposed of.

 ____  Curtains and drapes are freshly laundered.  Clean windows are a must.

 ____  Rugs, carpets, tile and grout are cleaned, wood floors polished.

 ____  Loose doorknobs, sticking doors, windows and warped drawers are repaired.

 ____  Fireplaces should be cleaned and fresh wood or gas logs inserted.

 ____  Dripping faucets/spouts are fixed.  Water discoloration eliminated.

 ____  Loose stair banisters are tightened and steps are free of objects.

 ____  Ceiling fans are cleaned and balanced.  Light fixtures are in good working order with maximum watt bulbs installed.

 ____  Closets, shelves and drawers are organized to display spaciousness.

 ____  Clothing is hung neatly and shoes and other objects are neatly arranged.

Prepared by Mark Sponheim, Realtor  - -  ww.Homes365.com

____  Bathrooms are sparkling clean.  Tub and shower caulking is repaired.  Possibly a new shower curtain?  Air Freshener.

 ____  Bedrooms are neat.  Bedspreads and window treatments are attractive.

 ____  The kitchen is clean and tidy, including cupboards, stove, oven and ventilating hood.  Remove all knick-knacks and seldom used small appliances to make your counter space seem larger.

 ____  The garage, basement, and attic are clean and well organized.  Dispose of anything that is not going to be moved.  Box up everything you won’t need until you’re in your new house.

 ____  Make sure the garage door opener is in good working condition.

 ____  Mirrors, picture frames and glass covering pictures are clean.

 ____  Mirrors are strategically placed to create and impression of added space in problem areas.

 ____  Lamp shades are in good condition.

 ____  Exhaust fans in bathrooms, kitchen, laundry should in good working order -- not loud and rattling.  Clean grates/vents.

 ____  If Kitchen or Bathroom floors are badly worn/chipped - replace it.

 * Consider painting walls and replacing carpeting if cleaning doesn’t do the trick.

 ** Lighting is key -- natural and artificial should be maximized.

Prepared by Mark Sponheim, Realtor  - -  ww.Homes365.com