- Carpet & Flooring Improvements
- Do not sweep things under a rug or carpet. The carpet or rug should lay flat on the floor
- If you have pets hire a professional to deodorize carpets
- If needed, replace any worn carpet
- If needed, steam clean carpet thoroughly
- If needed, install new neutral-colored carpet with a thick padding so prospective buyers feel comfortable as they walk on your floors
- Make sure carpets are secure. Stretch and tack down any loose or curling carpet
- Make sure the carpets are vacuumed, free of pet hair and combed
- If you decide to replace a linoleum floor, choose a neutral color that will have wide appeal
- If your home has hardwood floors with room-size rugs, get the hardwood into its best condition with fresh non-slip floor polish or other coating to make it shimmer
- Mop and vacuum floors
- Replace worn out vent covers
- Thoroughly clean linoleum floors in kitchen and bathroom
- Clean & De-clutter Improvements
- Appliances should be cleaned - inside and out
- Clean all curtains, drapes and blinds
- Clean or purchase new front door accessories
- Clean the entryway carefully; it creates the buyers first interior impression of your home
- Clean the inside of all kitchen and bathroom cabinets and neatly organize items on shelves
- Clean windowsills
- Doors should be oiled and squeak-free
- Dry clean your drapes
- Empty trash cans, recycling bins and ash trays
- Ensure all doors, cabinets and drawers can open completely without any blockage
- Exterminate any insect problems
- Get rid of odors (pet, food)
- Have a garage sale before the home is listed
- Hire a professional cleaning service, once every few weeks while the house is on the market
- If needed, remove clutter by renting off-site storage space
- Keep baseboards clean and dusted
- Keep bookshelves, entertainment units organized neatly
- Keep clothing hung neatly, shoes organized
- Keep screens clean and vacuumed
- Keep shower curtains fresh and free from mildew
- Keep stairways and corridors clear
- Make bathrooms sparkle; sinks, toilets and tubs should be immaculate
- Make stairwells and corridors clutter-free
- Mop and sweep all floors
- Organize closets
- Polish all interior woodwork
- Remove appliances from kitchen counters to give a look of spaciousness
- Remove oil spots from garage
- Exterior Painting Improvements
- Paint door and doorframe
- Paint exterior fixtures
- Paint mailbox
- Paint or clean front door and garage door
- Paint or restain fence if it is peeling or dirty
- Paint over any rust spots or streaks on downspouts
- Paint shutters, make sure they are hung straight
- Paint window ledges
- Polish door handles and knockers
- Remove rust from railing
- Repair any damage to chimney
- Repair holes in gutters and repair any separations from eaves
- Repair or replace shingles or tiles missing from the roof
- Sand and repaint areas with blistering or peeling paint
- Seal cracks on porch and remove any standing water if concrete. If wood, secure looks railings and seal or paint as necessary
- Straighten and clean antenna
- Interior Painting Improvements
- Add new wallpaper if the current wallpaper is torn or withered. Make sure it adheres to the wall
- All woodwork like stairwell railings and doors should be repainted and or stained
- Have leaks repaired & watermarks covered
- If needed, repaint faded, worn or stained interior walls
- Make sure that cracks in ceiling/walls are repaired
- The windows should be washed and stain free. The window frames should be painted if necessary and the hinges should not squeak
- Tone down bright room colors by painting them white or a neutral color
- Whitewash dark paneling
Go to Page 2 - Kitchen, Plumbing, Staging and Yard Tips