A clean, neat home in
need of few or no repairs will sell faster, and at a higher
price, than one that is run down. To give your home its best
possible presentation, perform a mini-makeover before your home
is shown to potential buyers. Then, do a final walk-through
with your Windermere agent to make sure no details have been
overlooked. Here's a list of tips that will help make your home
more attractive. Some of the items below will be part of a buyer's
inspection and may need to be repaired or replaced as part of
the transaction. As your agent will discuss these important
items with you.
Repair and Cleaning Checklist:
Exterior:
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Remove peeling and chipped paint; replace with a fresh
coat. |
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Clear gutters and downspouts.
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Make sure there is good
exterior lighting and all walkway lights and front door
lanterns work. |
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Remove any moss from the
roof. |
Yard:
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Mow and trim grass; re-seed and fertilize where necessary.
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Prune all overgrown trees
and shrubs. |
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Remove or replace dead
or diseased plants, shrubs and trees. |
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Clean grease and oil stains
from driveway. |
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Weed flower beds. |
Decks/Patios:
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Paint or stain worn areas in wood decks. |
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Remove grass growing in
concrete cracks; sweep off debris from shrubs and trees.
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Clean all fencing and make
sure it's secure; replace missing slats or posts. |
Front door:
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Polish the hardware on the door until it shines. |
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Add a fresh coat of paint
to get rid of nicks. |
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Clean the glass on the
storm door; make certain the screen is secure. |
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Make sure the doorbell
operates properly and there are no squeaks when the door
opens and closes. |
Windows:
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Clean all windows-inside and out. |
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If needed, add a fresh
coat of paint to the window trims and sills. |
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Make sure all windows open
and close easily. |
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Replace cracked windowpanes
and those with broken seals. |
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Make sure window screens
are secure; replace any screens with holes or tears. |
Entry:
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Clean entryway floors and area rugs. |
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Downsize clutter in entry
closet to give the appearance of spaciousness. |
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Double-check entry lighting
to make sure it is operating. |
Living room/dining room/family room:
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Give the room a fresh coat of paint, if necessary. |
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Repair cracks and holes
in ceiling and walls. |
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Make sure all wallpaper
is secured. |
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Repaint any woodwork that
is worn or chipped. |
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Clean draperies and blinds;
open them to maximize light. |
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Make sure draperies and
blinds open and close. |
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Wash windows. |
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Steam-clean carpets. Clean
rugs and wood flooring and remove any stains or odors.
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Position the furniture
to showcase the size and space of the room. |
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Remove and replace any
attached items, such as chandeliers and draperies that
you wish to move with you. |
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Put away toys and hobby
supplies; remove extra magazines and books from tables.
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Kitchen:
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Make sure countertops and sinks are clean and stain-free.
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Fix dripping faucets. |
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Organize pantry and cupboards
so they appear clean, neat and spacious. |
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Make sure the refrigerator
and freezer are defrosted and free of odors. |
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Clean the oven and cook-top
thoroughly. |
Bathrooms:
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Make sure sinks, tubs, showers and countertops are clean
and free of stains. |
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Repair any leaky faucets.
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Remove grout and soap stains
from tile. |
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Replace any missing or
cracked tiles or grout. |
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Make sure all joints are
caulked. |
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Make sure all fixtures,
including heat lamps and exhaust fans, are operating.
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Install a new shower curtain.
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Store all supplies like
toilet paper, shampoo bottles and cleansers. |
Bedrooms:
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Repair cracks in ceiling and walls. |
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Apply a fresh coat of paint
if necessary. |
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Make sure wallpaper is
secure. |
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Clean draperies and blinds;
open them to maximize light. |
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Put away toys, clothes.
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Neatly make up the beds.
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Basement:
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Remove any evidence of water penetration or dampness.
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Get rid of musty odors.
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Clean furnace and drains.
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Make sure light fixtures
are operating. |
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Arrange storage area in
a neat and organized minder. |
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Sweep floor. |
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Make sure stairway handrail
is secure. |
Tidy extras:
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Plant flowers to brighten a walkway and enrich the entry
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Hide or remove any indoor
houseplants that are brown or losing their leaves. |
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Remove all fixer cars,
campers and boats from the property. |
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Discard the clutter of
magazines on the coffee and end tables. |
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Hide or get rid of worn-out
throw pillows. |
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Replace shower curtains
and invest in a matching set of towels in the bathrooms.
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At night, turn on porch
light and outdoor lighting. Buyers often drive-by homes
they are considering at various times of day. |
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Owner's Welcome
