Seller’s Checklist

• First impressions count. Many people can’t visualize past what they see. Peeling trim could be a kiss of death. Paint the exterior of your home in an odd color and you could turn away potential buyers before they come inside. First glimpse of the home’s exterior includes the shrubbery, the gutters, the roof, the lawn and the front door.
• Neutralize and de-clutter. Strong color choices turn many buyers away. Choose neutral colors that will appeal to most everyone. Personal items, family pictures and unnecessary objects on furniture need to be put away before your home is shown. Plan ahead for your move and pack these up now. Have a yard sale before you list or show your property. Sell, donate or trash everything you don’t need.
• Rearrange or remove some of the furniture in your home, if necessary. Home owners often have too much furniture in a room. Thin out overcrowded rooms to make them appear larger.
• Kitchens and bathrooms rule. It’s no secret that buyers tend to be awed by updated kitchens and bathrooms. Conversely, dated kitchens and bathrooms turn away some buyers and encourage lower offers. Remove unnecessary items from countertops, tubs and shower stalls. Clear all notes, magnets and pictures off the refrigerator.
• Scent is the first thing buyers notice when they come in your home. Eliminate odors; keep liter boxes clean and burn candles to keep your home smelling fresh.
• Repair leaking faucets. Dripping water suggests defective or worn out plumbing and an owner that doesn’t care. It also makes buyers wonder what else needs fixing, and then they look harder for other issues.
• Fix doors that stick. Buyers remember all your homes problems and they write them down. Make sure all your doors close properly or sand them to fit.
• Remove, reduce or rearrange pictures and objects on walls. Patch and paint all walls as necessary.
• Look in your closets. Do they look full or organized? They will look larger with fewer items. Store extra possessions. Use the garage, attic or rent a storage unit. Removing clutter and personal items is extremely important in helping potential buyers to imagine their family living in your home.
• Review your home, room by room. Paint, clean your carpet, drapes and windows as needed. Imagine yourself as the buyer viewing your home.
• Keep pets out of sight during showings. Potential buyers may be allergic or be afraid of animals. If they fall in love with the pet, they don’t pay attention to the house. Keep pets in crates or take them with you during showings
• Clean pet food and water bowls and the area around them. Hide them when not in use or during showings. Stash away pet toys, crates carriers and leashes. Keep liter boxes clean and out of sight.
• Walk around the perimeter of your house. Move all garbage cans, wood scraps, extra building materials, etc., to the garage or, if applicable, to the dump.
• Check gutters and roof for dry rot and moss. Make sure they are swept and cleaned.
• Look at your plants. Prune bushes and trees. Keep plants from blocking windows. Remove any dead plants, weed all planting areas and put down fresh mulching material.
• Keep your lawn freshly cut, watered, edged and fertilized during the growing season to keep it looking great.
• Clear decks and patios of all small items, such as little planters, flower pots, charcoal, barbeques, toys etc.
• Sell your home with a Realtor®. Realtors typically have more knowledge and experience and can make your life easier when you sell. Select an agent you have confidence in. Then let them do their job.
• Develop an effective marketing plan. Work with your agent to determine how your home will be marketed; print and internet advertising, open houses, Talking House, signage, brochure boxes, etc.
• Know your market. Most homes that do not sell in their listing period are priced too high. Although location and condition strongly affect the value of your home, the market will determine the price range it should be in. Listen to what your Realtor® recommends
• Get familiar with financing options. Be as knowledgeable as your buyers.
• Understand offers and contracts. Work with your agent to know what to expect and what your options will be. Review the sales agreement before you get an offer.
• Make moving plans early. Don’t wait until the last minute or you’ll find yourself scrambling to make things work.
• Know what is involved at closing and what to expect so there are no surprises when you’re signing papers. Review the HUD before the closing and understand what the settlement costs are.
• If you can’t do it yourself, hire someone. Most buyers pay more for homes that are in move-in condition. A painter can freshen where needed; a landscaper will give your yard curb appeal and a Stager® will make your home look more inviting and comfortable. The money and time you spend will be worth it. Give yourself an edge in today’s market and prepare your home to sell.