Potential buyers usually decide within minutes whether a home is right for them. As you prepare your home to go on the market, try to view it through the eyes of a buyer. We have provided some tips below to assist you in preparing to sell your home.
General
A fresh coat of paint is fast, easy and affordable — consider repainting the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms and other areas
Use a neutral color scheme when making any decorating choices
Neatness makes a home look bigger; avoid clutter
Avoid too many personal items, such as family photos
Cleanliness counts
Make sure all closets and shelving units are straightened
Kitchen
Make sure it is bright and attractive
Consider new window treatments
If the flooring is badly worn, replace it
Replace any loose or cracked tiles on counters and walls
Avoid leaving dirty dishes in the kitchen sink or on the counters
Clean and uncluttered counters add a sense of spaciousness
Remove any appliances or decorative items from counters
Bathroom
Repair any dripping faucets
Always hang fresh, clean towels in the bathrooms
Remove any stains from toilets, sinks, bathtubs and showers
Clean this room every morning
Updating old fixtures can make a big difference
Unclog sinks, bathtubs or showers that drain slowly
Living Areas and Bedrooms
Make sure wall surfaces are in good shape — repair all cracks and nail holes
Make sure windows are in good condition; replace cracked or broken glass/torn screens and wash windows
Make sure windows open and close smoothly
Check ceilings for leak stains
Replace faded curtains or bedspreads
If you have a fireplace, clean it out and put in fresh logs
Replace burned-out light bulbs and make sure light switches work
Clean floors and vacuum rugs and carpeting
Fix any doors or sliding glass doors that stick
Garage
Clean out your garage
Dispose of anything you are not going to move
Make sure the garage door opener is in good condition
Outside
Make sure the front door and entry area are clean
Repaint the front door if necessary
Keep the lawn and shrubs trimmed and neat looking
The proper landscaping can add an attractive and inviting touch
Sweep walkways and driveways
Consider painting or touching up your house
Check the roof and gutters
Source: Stewart Title Insurance Company