Preparing Your Home to Sell

With buyers, first impressions count. A small investment in time and money will give your home an edge over other listings in the area when the time comes to show it to a prospective buyer. Here are some suggestions that will help you get top market value:

General Maintenance

• Oil squeaky doors
• Tighten doorknobs
• Replace burned out light bulbs
• Clean and repair windows
• Touch-up chipped paint
• Repair cracked plaster
• Repair leaking taps and toilets
• Repair siliconed edges around tubs, sinks or backsplash if required

Curb Appeal

• Cut lawn
• Trim shrubs and plants
• Weed and edge gardens
• Pick-up any litter
• Powerwash driveway
• Repair gutters and eaves
• Touch-up exterior paint
• Ensure mail, newpaper is brought in daily

The Spacious Look

• Clean stairs and halls
• Store excess furniture
• Clean counters and cabinets
• Make closets neat and tidy

Spic and Span

• Shampoo carpet
• Clean washer, dryer and tubs
• Clean fridge and stove
• Clean furnace and ducts
• Clean and freshen bathrooms

The Buying Atmosphere

• Be absent during showings
• Turn all lights on including lamps and hoodfan
• Light fireplace
• Open drapes during the day
• Play quiet background music
• Keep pets outdoors or off the property during showings

The First Impression

• Clean and tidy entrance
• Functional doorbell
• Polish door hardware