Preparing Your Home

Your home has just one chance to make a great impression with each potential buyer. And it can! The following "tricks of the trade" will help you keep track of what needs to be done. The whole idea is to present a clean, spacious clutter-free home--the kind of place you would like to buy. Accomplish a little everyday, and before long your home will be ready to make the impression that can make the sale.

Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Mow lawn
Trim shrubs
Edge gardens and walkways
Weed and mulch
Sweep walkways and driveway, remove branches, litter or toys
Add color and fill in bare spots with plantings
Remove mildew or moss from walls or walks with bleach and water or other cleaner
Take stains off your driveway with cleanser or kitty litter
Stack woodpile neatly
Clean and repair patio and deck area
Remove any outdoor furniture which is not in good repair
Make sure pool or spa sparkles
Replace old storm doors
Check for flat-fitting roof shingles
Repair broken windows and shutters, replace torn screens, make sure frames and seams have solid caulking
Hose off exterior wood and trim, replace damaged bricks or wood
Touch up exterior paint, repair gutters and eaves
Clean and remove rust from any window air conditioning units
Paint the front door and mailbox
Add a new front door mat and consider a seasonal door decoration
Shine brass hardware on front door, outside lighting fixtures, etc.
Make sure doorbell is in good working order

The Living Room

Make it cozy and inviting, discard chipped or worn furniture and frayed or worn rugs

The Dining Room

Polish any visible silver and crystal
Set the table for a formal dinner to help viewers imagine entertaining here

The Kitchen

Make sure appliances are spotless inside and out (try baking soda for cleaning Formica stains)
Make sure all appliances are in perfect working order
Clean often forgotten spots on top of refrigerator and under sink
Wax or sponge floor to brilliant shine, clean baseboards
Unclutter all counter space, remove countertop appliances
Organize items inside cabinets, pre-pack anything you won’t be using before you move

The Bathrooms

Remove all rust and mildew
Make sure tile, fixtures, shower doors, etc. are immaculate and shining
Make sure all fixtures are in good repair
Replace loose caulking or grout
Make sure lighting is bright, but soft

The Attic

Tidy up by discarding or pre-packing
Make sure energy-saving insulation is apparent
Make sure air vent is in working order
Provide strong overhead lighting

When It’s Time To Show

Make sure your property profile folder, utility bills, MLS profile, house location survey, etc. are available
Open all draperies and shades, turn on all lights
Pick up toys and other clutter, check to make sure beds are made and clothes are put away
Give the carpets a quick vacuuming
Add some strategically placed fresh flowers
Open bathroom windows for fresh air
Pop a spicy dessert or just a pan of cinnamon in the oven for aroma
Turn off the television and turn on the radio music at a low volume
Make a fire in the fireplace if appropriate
Put pets in the backyard or arrange for a friend to keep them
Make sure pet areas are clean and odor-free
Make sure all trash is disposed of in neatly covered bins

The Master Bedroom

Organize furnishings to create a spacious look with well-defined sitting, sleeping, and dressing areas

General Interior Tips

Add a fresh coat of interior paint in light, neutral colors
Shampoo carpeting, replace if necessary
Clean and wax hardwood floors, refinish if necessary
Clean and wash kitchen and bathroom floors
Wash all windows, vacuum blinds, wash window sills
Clean the fireplace
Clean out and organize closets, add extra space by packing clothes and items you won’t need again until after you’ve moved
Remove extra furniture, worn rugs, and items you don’t use; keep papers, toys, etc. picked up--especially on stairways
Repair problems such as loose door knobs, cracked molding, leaking taps and toilets, squeaky doors, closets or screen doors which are off their tracks
Add dishes of potpourri, or drop of vanilla or bath oil on light bulbs for scent
Secure jewelry, cash and other valuables

The Garage

Sell, give away, or throw out unnecessary items
Clean oily cement floor
Provide strong overhead light
Tidy storage or work areas

The Basement

Sell, give away, or throw out unnecessary items
Organize and create more floor space by hanging tools and placing items on shelves
Clean water heater and drain sediment
Change furnace filter
Make inspection access easy
Clean and paint concrete floor and walls
Provide strong overhead light

Showing Your Home

Once you've prepped your home, it's time to show it to potential buyers! Here are a few ground rules to follow when showing your home.

Three's a crowd. Avoid having too many people present during the showing.
Music is mellow; but not when showing a house. Keep the radio or television off so the agent and buyer can talk without interruption.
Pets underfoot? Keep them out of the way or preferably out of the house in consideration of those who may be afraid of or allergic to cats or dogs.
Silence is golden. If you are present for the showing, be courteous, but don't force conversation with a potential buyer.
Be it ever so humble. Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it has been lived in. Let the trained agent answer any objections
Stay in the background. The agent who knows the buyer's requirements can better emphasize the features of your home when you don't tag along. You will be called if needed.
Why put the cart before the horse? Trying to dispose of furniture and furnishings to the potential buyer before he has purchased the house often loses a sale.
A word to the wise. Let your Kathryn Taylor Real Estate Team agent discuss price, terms, possession, and other factors with the buyer. Your agent is best qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.
Kathryn Taylor and her real estate team sell better. Show your home only by appointment or scheduled open house events through your Kathryn Taylor Real Estate Team agent.