Every seller wants to make the selling process as quick and painless as possible. Along with getting a real estate agent, there are a few other steps sellers can take to ensure selling their home is SIMPLE! We have a list of steps we recommend to sellers after they have put up the “for sale” sign and are ready to show their home to potential buyers.

OUTDOORS

FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE CRITICAL

An inviting interior ensures good street appeal. In most cases, if a prospective purchaser likes the exterior, they will want to see the interior. Keep your yard cut shorter than normal. Trim and edge the yard once per week. Make sure all debris is removed. In the winter months, make sure snow and ice are removed from the sidewalks and driveway. 

ADD BACKFILL SOIL

Make sure all soil around your home is sloping away from the foundation. The slope should be a minimum of 12 inches for the first 10 feet from the foundation walls. Also, attach or reattach roof gutter downspout extensions to discharge water beyond the area of gravel, bar, chips, or dirt. 

REPAIRS

COVER ELECTRICAL WIRE

Replace broken electrical switch plates throughout your home. If there are any exposed electrical wires, install a junction box and cover.

HOT WATER TANK VALVE

Most plumbers install an emergency relief valve and down tube to avoid any hot water burns with children. If your hot water tank does not have one, install a valve and downspout tube.

FURNACE INSPECTION

Have your furnace serviced, cleaned and certified by a licensed heating contractor.

FIX LEAKY FAUCETS

Dripping water discolors sinks and calls attention to faulty or worn-out plumbing.

MINOR REPAIRS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE

Repair loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor items like towel racks, etc. 

THRESHOLD SEALS

Replace any old threshold seals. They show age and a lack of energy efficiency.

BEFORE THE INSPECTION

KNOW YOUR ATTIC

Inspect your attic and know your insulation R-Value rating. It will come up in your home inspection. We also want to know if your attic is showing signs of any past or present roof leaks.

CHECK TOILET ATTACHMENT

Make sure your toilets are well attached. Inspectors sometimes check them and unfortunately break the seal if toilets are loose.

CHECK ALL SINK PEATRAPS

Replace the pea-traps if they are old and showing signs of thinning or corrosion.

BATHROOM TILE

Check for loose tiles, mildew and grout loss. Bathrooms are critical areas. They should be in like-new condition.

CLEANING

INSIDE TO OUTSIDE

Remove any clutter from countertops, bathrooms, closets, basements and storage areas.

FURNITURE PLACEMENT

If necessary, remove large furniture from small rooms. Also, place beds on the side of the bedrooms, not in the middle of the bedroom.

DAY OF SHOWINGS

HAVE PURCHASERS SEE THE LIGHT

Illumination is like a welcome sign. Potential purchasers feel a glowing warmth when you turn on all your lights during a showing.

MUSIC MELLOWS

Soft music adds a nice touch. However, a blaring radio or television is a distraction. Let REALTORS and purchasers tour your home free of disturbances.

THREE IS A CROWD

Avoid being present during showings. Prospective purchasers will feel uncomfortable with you present.

THE SUBJECT OF PETS

Pets are a very sensitive subject. However, if it is possible, find a temporary home for them. Pets and odors have been known to cost a seller a real buyer. 

A WORD FOR THE WISE

Let REALTORS discuss the price, terms, possession and other factors with prospective purchasers. Too much conversation can cost you a sale. 

A SPARKLING HOME DOES ATTRACT PURCHASERS

The overall appeal of your home will be improved if some less significant items are cleaned and touched up to perfection. These less significant items include mirrors, dishwashers, closets, all windows, chrome or brass hardware, baseboards, interior and exterior light fixtures, oven and cooktops, inside of cabinets, door thresholds, tops of door headers, utility rooms, furnace, and hot water tank.

If you have any questions about how to prepare your home before a showing, reach out to your real estate agent and ask. They are also excited to sell your home and want the process to be as SIMPLE as possible.