Are you looking to sell your home this Spring, but not sure where to start?
Below we have compiled a short checklist of items to review before listing your home.
1. Plan Ahead
- Walk through each room and criticize the home from a buyer's perspective.
- If work has been performed by prior contractors, save receipts of the work.
- Sell, donate or trash anything you don't need. This is the time to get rid of anything you've been holding onto.
2. Clean, Declutter and Depersonalize
- Scrub tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms.
- Sweep and mop floors (even in the corners). Remove cobwebs in the corners or your ceilings.
- Consider replacing carpet if stains are very prominent or if carpet cleaner does not remove large stains.
*consult your Realtor, most cases we would have you wait until your home is under contract
- Repair MAJOR cracks and holes in the walls.
- If you have bright colored walls, we recommend choosing colors that are neutral (like beige, cream or pastels). Pale blues and greens are good for bathrooms.
- Remove excess and oversized furniture.
- Rearrange furniture to maximize space in each room.
- Organize room closets and store out-of-season clothes neatly in boxes and storage containers to make your home look as decluttered as possible. If you have attic space, or a shed, neatly store your excess belongings in there.
- Remove small appliances, toys, magazines, and pet items from inside and outside the property.
- Remove ALL family photos, personal collections, and medications from your bathroom cabinets.
Note: If you do not prefer family photos to be out on the internet, advised to remove from your walls and store away.
- Secure valuable items, including cash and jewelry (especially if those items are on top of your dressers or in top drawers).
3. Pay Attention to Kitchens and Bathrooms
- Replace light bulbs if they are out. Try and match the bulbs as best as you can.
- Completely clear the countertops as much as possible. The less you have on the counter, the better your home will show.
- Deep clean appliances and fixtures. Clean inside your oven and ensure odors are gone.
- Clean and organize your pantry, cabinets, and drawers. (Potential buyers will open pantries and closet doors, so ensure everything is clutter free)
- Remove stains from sinks, toilets and bathtubs.
- Keep all toilet seat lids closed. (Ensure toilets are clean and have been scrubbed inside and out)
- Hang fresh, clean (stain free) towels neatly on the towel bar.
- Recommended to have your home at a moderate temperature, 65-70 degrees in the winter and summertime. Having your home too cold or hot could trigger a buyer to ask questions about your heating and cooling.
4. Maximize Curb Appeal
- Power wash your siding if it is extremely dirty or hand wipe down the windows at a minimum.
- Sweep the entryway and walkways.
- Mow, water and fertilize the lawn. Green lawns will obviously show best during the summertime.
- Trim shrubs and trees. Rake the leaves.
- Plant colorful flowers and shrubs
- Store toys or equipment lying in the yard.
- Clean pet droppings before every showing. (Recommended to grab a few days before to ensure no odors around the house when viewing the yard).
- Clean gutters and downspouts, especially during the spring.
5. Show Off Your Home's Best Features
- Limit the number of rugs to show off hardwood floors.
- Pull back drapes to showcase nice views.
- Stage the front porch or deck with furniture and potted plants. Remove any dead plants.
- Make sure fireplaces are in good working condition.
If you can not do all of the items listed above, focus on the most pertinent. We can help you compile a shorter list dependent on your property. This list is purely a guide. We encourage you to ask us on specific pointers as every home is a bit different. For further questions, or to get the discussion going around listing your home, contact Tamara Williams today at 406.223.6823.
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Posted by Tamara Williams on
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