| Fully preparing your home for sale can make a considerable
difference in the time it takes to sell it. You can help eliminate
buyer objections before they arise by making necessary repairs and
improvements, some of which are suggested below:
Outdoors
 Spruce
up your garden and lawn; trim shrubbery and replace dead plants
Yard and
patio should be neat; outdoor furniture should be clean and in
good shape
Clean or
paint your front door - remember first impressions last the longest!
Manicure
your front yard; make sure your driveway and entryway are free
of clutter
Exterior
Check that
house numbers, mailbox, and exterior lighting are all in good
condition
Touch up
with fresh paint as needed
Inspect chimney
for cracks or earthquake damage
Repair loose
trim, drain pipes, and fencing
Clean stains
and window screens
Garage
Remove clutter
and tidy up the shelves
Clean the
floor
Overall
Apply fresh
paint as needed. Think about brightening your interior with neutral-toned
paint
Clean draperies
and carpets
Replace burned
out light bulbs
Clean the
fireplace and remove smoke stains from the wall and mantle
Kitchen
Sinks,
appliances and counter tops should sparkle; remove any clutter.
Wax the floor
Clean the
oven range and other appliances
Clean tile
and grout; replace if necessary
Bathrooms
Clean mirrors,
glass, chrome and porcelain surfaces
Replace shower
curtain if necessary
Fix any faucet
drips or leaks
Clean grout
and caulking; replace if necessary
Closets
Doors and
drawers should open and close easily
Remove clutter;
tidy up shelves and racks
Clothes should
be neatly arranged
Indoors
Check the
basics around the house. It takes just a minute to check all doors,
windows and cabinets to make sure they don't stick, squeak or
are too loose
Clean your
furnace and water heater so buyers know they are looking at a
house that has been well maintained
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