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 What Should I Do to Prepare My House Before I Put It on the Market? 

In order to sell your home quickly and make a profit, your home must be ready for potential buyers to see! Attention to detail is crucial when preparing your home to be viewed by buyers focusing on your property’s every last feature.

Exterior
Fresh exterior paint makes a great first impression. If you are unable to freshly paint the exterior of your home, high pressure-washing will look great too! The front door should also be freshly painted or at least free of any dirt or stains. The front and back lawn should be well- manicured at all times. Keep shrubbery groomed and healthy. Porches should be completely free of clutter.

Cleaning
Make your house sparkle! Be absolutely certain that your house is as clean as possible from all angles. Make sure everything is sufficiently dusted. Clean and wax the floors so they shine. Wash all of the windows from the inside and outside. Thoroughly clean the bathroom by freshly polishing all faucets and mirrors and re-caulking sink, bath tub, and shower. Thoroughly clean the refrigerator, kitchen counters, and floor. You may consider hiring a professional cleaning service. Potential buyers will look at everything. Buyers open closets, cabinets, pantries, and any all other places that can collect dust and grime. A professional cleaning service will be able to easily locate places needing thorough cleaning you may not notice.

De-clutter
An easy way to make a room look larger and full of light is to de-clutter. Remove any unnecessary articles from living spaces. In some cases, furniture may also need to be removed. Closets must also be cleared of excess belongings. De-cluttering closets will make the storage space seem larger. A potential buyer will be pleased with plentiful storage space. Small tokens or anything unnecessary should be removed and stored. This includes emptying bookshelves and cabinets. The home should be de-personalized. Take down any family pictures and remove personal documents from drawers and closets. Any references to political stance, religion, or other organizations should be taken out of the room. A potential buyer may unintentionally develop thoughts that the home is not representative of them.

Paint Interior Walls
Painting will cover any nail holes made in the walls. If there are any large holes, spackle the area, sand, and then paint. Choosing a neutral color will be the best solution for attracting buyers. Neutral colors will better disguise imperfections compared to bright or primary colors.

Floors
New carpet looks best! New carpet promotes a great first impression. When selecting new carpet for a home, make sure the carpet color is suitable for the room. Vacuum everyday while your home is on the market. Hardwoods should be kept clean and dust free.

Light
Lighting affects the prospective buyer’s impression of the house. Pull back curtains and raise blinds in the daytime. This makes the home seem brighter and look larger. At nighttime, keep indoor and outdoor lights illuminated. This will enhance color and add dimension.

Functionality
Be sure everything works! The plumbing and electricity should be fully functional, as well as the central heat and air. It will be very unlikely for a potential buyer to choose a home with a broken facet or ceiling fan. Be prepared and carefully plan repair of any pre-existing problems the home may have.

Garage
Make sure your garage is cleaned well, clutter free, and organized. The driveway should also be free of cracks and stains.

Pets
When trying to sell your home, it should be ready for showing at every moment. Potential buyers may or may not love pets. Smells associated with your pet may also be a factor. It may be a good idea to have your dog stay at a friend’s house while trying to get the house ready for sale. It will be essential to remove all pet toys, cat litter boxes, and food bowls left out. A buyer may have a disliking for pets and immediately rule out your home based on your pet’s occupancy.