How to Prepare a House To Sell

Preparing a house for sale is the first step in selling the house. First impressions are important. With that in mind, here are some steps to help you ensure that your house looks good both on the outside and the inside so that you can sell it quickly and at the price that you want.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Start with the outside. Remove unsightly tree limbs and dead leaves and clean out flower beds.
2. Mow the lawn, edge, and blow or sweep the driveways. Trim all shrubbery.
3. Plant some flowers or potted plants for color and to brighten the landscape.
4. Add mulch around flower, plant or tree beds.
5. Power wash all exterior areas that are dirty such as mildew on walls, windows or driveways. Paint the exterior if necessary.
6. Clean out the pool if you have one. Use a professional if necessary.
7. Clean the entrance, sweep the porch and remove unsightly items such as bikes, toys or other items that may block the entrance.
8. Check all lights on the outside and make sure they are working.
9. Air out the house to make sure it smells good. Get rid of odors that linger. Use a cozy-smelling fragrance freshener.
10. Make sure you remove all clutter in the entire house. This means all living areas, including the family room, game room, kitchen, garage, bedrooms, bathrooms and closets. Get rid of things that you haven't used in a while or pack them away. Remember potential buyers look for space, space and space.
11. Wipe down all windows, blinds and ceiling fans.
12. Dust and clean the baseboards and remove smudges on walls, mirrors and furniture.
13. Clean grease stains on kitchen walls, back splashes, counter tops, kitchen cabinets and appliances.
14. Vacuum the carpet in all rooms.
15. Make sure all electrical fixtures and outlets are working. Replace any burned-out light bulbs. Keep the house bright.
16. Fix any leaks or squeaks.
17. Keep the house clean, fresh, bright and well maintained.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the kitchen free of dirty dishes.
• Buy some flowers and put them in a vase to brighten the house
• Hire a cleaning service if it gets overwhelming to clean.
• Rearrange furniture in the house to make traffic flow better.
• Have a garage sale and get rid of all your clutter.
• Keep dogs in the backyard or in a pet crate when you have buyers coming to view the house.

Who Can Help:

• Find Local Cleaning Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Contractors Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.
• Find Landscaping Design and Installation Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.