Getting Your Home Ready for Sale
You’ve heard repeatedly that upgrading your home with new cabinetry, flooring, doors, counters, and other amenities will almost always assure a maximum asking price when it's time to sell. But sometimes, finances, time frames, and other circumstances prevent making these upgrades.
If you’re in that situation, consider taking some smaller steps to boost your home’s “curb appeal.” According to industry experts, doing so can mean selling it 10 to 15 times faster. Tackle the easier tasks if you’re up to it, and think about hiring professionals for larger jobs such as painting and landscaping.
LANDSCAPING
Keep lawn edged, cut, and watered regularly
Trim hedges and prune trees
Place potted seasonal flowers near front entrance
Sweep and wash sidewalks (if local water-use rules permit)
EXTERIOR
Check foundation, steps, and walkways for cracks and crumbling
Inspect doors and windows for peeling paint
Clean and straighten gutters
Replace damaged or loose roof shingles
Apply a fresh coat of paint to front door
Install clearly readable, elegant house numbers
INTERIOR
Replace cracked floor and/or counter tiles
Patch holes in walls
Replace burned-out bulbs
Fix doors that don’t close cleanly and quietly (same for drawers/cabinets)
Fix or replace leaky faucets
Replaced damaged windows, including those that are scratched
Patch visible cracks in concrete or brickwork
Replace carpeting or have it professionally cleaned
Replace old or flaking wallpaper
Switch out dated appliances and decor
CLEANING
Clean walls thoroughly
Wash windows inside and out
Dust carefully, clean out cobwebs
Re-caulk showers, tubs, and sinks
Polish faucets and mirrors
Clean out refrigerator
Wax the floors
Replace worn-out rugs
Hang up fresh towels
Air the home out
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