One of the best things to do when selling your home is to prepare it. First impressions are important and you may have competition out there. Below is a list of items that you can get started on (although we will also give you your own prescription).
- Give home a thorough cleaning
- Oil door hinges, tighten door knobs
- Have carpets professionally cleaned, or replaced if damaged (let’s discuss)
- Repair dripping faucets and leaky toilets
- Replace all burned out light bulbs and clean all light fixtures
- Repair defective light switches
- Get rid of clutter both inside and out
- Cut and edge grass. Trim hedges and weed gardens
- Paint, fix or wash railings, steps, storm windows, screens and doors
- Clean out the gutters
- Wash the windows
- Tidy up the garage
- Paint, wash and fix garage doors and windows
- Touch up all interior paint
- We have a lot of septic systems in Snohomish County. Almost every lender will want the septic pumped prior to funding, so pumping it now and having it inspected (which is good for 12 months) may be the best option. It is about $400 to do this. If there is a problem, take care of it now before closing. $400 and up.
We are also an advocate of moving things out that you are not likely to use in the next 90 days (except furniture – we will make a plan for that). If it is summer, put your winter clothes into storage. Remove the items from your kitchen that you won’t be using for regular cooking. This goes for closets, drawers, the attic or basement and yes, even the garage. Not only will this help you declutter for buyers, it will help you as you are moving.
Here are some helpful tips for showing your home.
- Keep pets out of the house. Either take them with you or keep them penned in the yard or garage.
- Make sure your home is well lit. Open shades and curtains to let in light.
- Remove clutter from tables and shelves. This can be difficult if you are living in the house, but it is important to make sure the mail pile stays out of view, dishes are done after each meal, and papers don’t stack up in your newspaper bin.
- Keep money, prescription drugs, and other valuables out of view and locked up.
- Add a ground up lemon to the garbage disposal to give the kitchen a fresh smell and take out garbage daily.
- Keep radios and TV off—although oftentimes soft music in the background is a nice touch.
We will develop your own showing cheat sheet for your home that you can simply check off each morning as you head out to keep your home showtime ready at all times.