The best thing you can do to help your home sell quickly and for more money is to get your property in top-notch condition before it sells. Most home buyers do not want to buy a home that is going to take a lot of work to move in. Instead, they are looking for something that is move-in ready. This means cleaning up your home and making minor repairs before the house ever goes on the market. 

Here is a checklist of things you can do to get your home market ready.

 

Outside 

·         Your lawn should be in good shape, with no weeds or dead spots

·         Keep it mowed throughout the selling process

·         Edge driveways and sidewalks

·         Sweep driveway and sidewalks throughout the selling process

·         Trim trees and shrubs

·         Remove dead limbs or bushes

·         Clean outside furniture

·         Touch up any exterior trim paint

·         Paint your front door

·         Add flowers for color

·         Add a wreath to your front door

·         Make your entryway inviting

·         Make sure all exterior lighting is clean and functioning

·         Paint the mailbox post and add a new mailbox

·         Make house numbers visible

·         Clean windows and screens

·         Recaulk windows if needed

·         Clean gutters and downspouts

·         Pressure wash siding and roof

 

Garage 

·         Remove storage items from the garage. If needed, get a storage unit instead.

·         Clean walls and floors. Repaint if necessary.

·         Add shelves and hooks to hang larger items

·         Clean garage door and windows

·         Make sure garage door is in good working order

 

Kitchen 

·         Remove items from the counter. Either put them away or store them in a storage unit.

·         Clean all appliances, counters, and sink

·         Fix leaky faucets.

·         Replace damaged appliance knobs

·         Add new hardware to your cabinets

·         Clean tile grout

·         Clean the floor

·         Add a new backsplash

·         Update kitchen cabinets with paint or stain

 

Bathrooms 

·         Clean mirrors

·         Clean glass

·         Clean sinks, toilet, tub, and shower

·         Clean all fixtures.

·         Clean tile grout

·         Replace shower curtain

·         Replace bathroom rug

·         Add new towels

·         Fix faucet leaks

·         Recaulk if necessary

·         Add luxury items like soaps, candles, and flowers

 

 Closets 

·         Declutter closets. Store extra clothing, shoes, and other items in a storage unit if necessary.

·         Organize clothes and shoes to look neat and orderly

·         Space clothes so that closet feels larger

·         Door and drawer tracks should move freely

 

Other Areas 

·         Paint walls in a neutral color

·         Fix doors, windows, and cabinets as needed

·         Professionally clean carpets and draperies

·         Replace light bulbs as needed

·         Clean fireplace, including any stains on mantle

·         Replace furnace filters

·         Remove odors from the home

·         Stage each room

 

If your home is clean and maintained, then it will sell faster. It takes a bit of time, but will be well worth your efforts.