Earlier this month, we shared tips and checklists on getting your home ready to sell. But, there’s more!
FLOORING
The flooring in your home should be clean and vacuumed. Regular maintenance of carpets, linoleum, wood and tie floors can decrease the need to replace them. If you can, have extra wood slats and tiles available to quickly replace and repair. Clean and shampoo carpets to remove stains and smells.
To Do:
- Clean grout on tiled floors
- Replace any cracked tiles
- Repair any damaged wood slats
- Strip and wax wood floors if needed
- Vacuum and mop floors
- Steam clean carpets
- Replace any worn or damaged carpet
- Have carpets professionally stretched if needed
- If you have pets, have floors professionally cleaned and deodorized
- If your carpet and padding smells, replace it
UPDATING KITCHENS & BATH
Depending on the age of your home, buyers may be looking for updated kitchens and bathrooms. These are areas that you should pay special attention to. Buyers are looking for bathrooms that are functional, but create a spa atmosphere. Kitchens should be open and free of clutter.
To Do:
- Clean appliances and fixtures, replace accessories like oven shelves if needed
- Maintain a file of appliance warranties
- Paint bathrooms and kitchens neutral colors to create a fresh environment
- Repair damaged sinks, tubs or countertops
- Clean and organize cabinets, store unnecessary items to create more space
- Clean, paint or refinish cabinets
- Replace outdated knobs and drawer pulls for an updated appearance
- Tighten door hinges
- Remove any mildew stains and recaulk where needed
- Clean grout and reseal
- Clean stovetop and replace cooktop parts if needed
- Replace shower curtains
- Place clean, matching towels in bathrooms
- Create “spa” atmosphere in bathrooms if able
THE HOME OFFICE
Many homeowners today work from home, even if they have another place of business. Any many homebuyers will be looking for that space as well. If you already have a home office, you may want to make sure that it looks like one. If not, and you have a spare room, you may want to “stage” it as a home office.
To Do:
- Clear the desk of clutter
- Organize cables neatly behind desks
- Place equipment in accessible areas
- remove any items you do not use on a regular basis
- Remove any confidential and/or client information
- Set up a password protected screensaver on your desktop
- Remove large filing cabinets and furniture to make room more spacious
DEALING WITH PETS
There is no doubt that we love our pets. But a potential buyer may not. And while you may not notice, they will see the scratches, odors and other damage your pets may have done. You need to consider how to manage your pets while your home is on the market.
To Do:
- Keep litter boxes out of sight
- Have carpets professionally cleaned and deodorized
- Do not use air fresheners. People with allergies may have a reacgtion
- Pick up pet toys and put them away
- If you have doggie doors, consider replacing them
- Repair any wall damage pets have created
- Repair any scratched cabinets
- Vacuum every day to remove pet hair and dander
- Include listing instructions on how to deal with pets during viewings
- Keep yard cleaned in case potential buyers walk your property