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PREPARING
YOUR HOME FOR MARKET
The
following items should be read and studied carefully. Much care
should be taken in preparation of your home for market. We would
like to emphasize that it is very important to accomplish as much
as possible prior to placing your home on the market. First
impressions are extremely important!
Make
sure everything about your property appears as close as you
reasonably can to "new, neat, clean and neutral"! Homes
that are decorated in unusual colors (black, red, dark blue,
purple, etc) attract few buyers. If possible, paint all walls and
ceilings a neutral white, off-white or light tan color. If not too
expensive, make sure all carpets are a neutral color. This allows
the prospective buyer to better visualize their special items and
furnishings in the rooms of your home. Neutral colors give the
appearance of spaciousness. A little (or a lot) of paint, a bit of
wallpaper, and/or a carpet replaced can make a difference in
attracting that "one buyer"... and costs very little.
Make
certain your home is absolutely clean and free of any unpleasant
odors- especially any animal odors. Most people love their pets,
but pets can be, and often are a real "turn off" to
prospective buyers. Remove your animals when you are showing your
home. Many people feel threatened by a strange barking dog.
The
following are a list of items to assist you in the preparation of
your home for sale:
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Make
sure all light fixtures have working light bulbs.
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Ensure
the doorbell work and the mailbox is in good repair.
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Oil
any squeaky hinges and see that all windows open easily.
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Wash
all windows, inside and out. Clean dirt and dust from window
sills.
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Make
sure carpets are clean. Have carpet areas stretched and
curling edges tacked down if needed.
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Have
all bathroom and kitchen counters free of clutter &
looking immaculate. Repair dripping faucets.
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During
the day, have all curtains pulled open to maximize natural
outdoor light. At night, have lights turned on.
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Provide
adequate lighting in basements, attics and closets.
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Keep
rooms and closets neat, uncluttered and spacious looking.
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Have
furniture arranged to maximize a look of spaciousness in every
room.
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Clean
and repair storm windows. Remove screens during the winter.
They will last longer and let more light in.
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Seal
and repair any foundation or driveway cracks.
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Foundation
vents- make sure they are intact and clean.
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Roof-
remove any debris and nail down any loose shingles.
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Gutters
and Downspouts- clean and repair holes and any separations
from eaves.
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Windows-
check for loose caulk, chipped paint, broken or cracked
windows.
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Make
sure all outdoor lighting works.
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Trim
overgrown shrubs and have all landscaping in top condition.
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Plant
blooming flowers in flower beds, if season permits.
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Care
for lawn of nearby vacant properties and common areas.
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Insects-
better that you discover and remove them than your buyer. Look
for telltale signs in all wooded areas.
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Remove any firewood or lumber that is near or against the
house. This is a breeding ground for termites. Home inspectors
will report this as a discrepancy and will recommend that you
treat the property for termite infestation.
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Look for standing water in the crawlspace. This is indicative
of improper drainage, a broken water line, or more. Corrective
action will need to be taken before the property is placed on
the market for sale.
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