Home Preparation
Preparing your home for the market? Not sure where to start? Here are some tips to ensure your home is looking at its best while showing to a prospective buyer!
Preparing the Exterior
- Clean or power wash (if possible) your home's exterior, walkways & driveway.
- If there is any moss on your roof, you should have it cleaned right away.
Aside from cosmetics, moss can cause the shingles on your roof to lift, curl, and
blow off of your roof when the winds are strong. One way to get rid of the moss
is to apply a solution of equal amounts of bleach and water, and then rinse after
about 15 minutes. Do not power wash or scrub; that could cause damage to
the shingles.
- Make sure to trim your shrubs and trees right before you put your home on the
market; especially the trees that are blocking the view of your home. Let's face
it, you have a beautiful home. Why not show it off a little?
- If there are any areas of your home's exterior or on your shed that have chipping
paint, you may want to consider scraping off the old chipping paint, and add
a fresh coat of paint.
Preparing the Interior
- If your home's main living areas (the living room, dining room, kitchen, etc)
have not been painted in a while, you may want to consider repainting the
interior, especially if there is any drywall damage.
- Repair any broken windows and window screens. If your window's blinds or
shades are damaged, be sure to have them removed.
- Make sure you replace any burnt out lightbulbs throughout your home, and
replace any broken light fixtures.
- Right before you list your home for sale, be sure to have your carpets steam
cleaned. While installing brand new carpeting in your home may be a selling
point to a potential buyer, it does not typically add any monetary value to your
home. Having this in mind, I have always recommended having your carpets
steam cleaned instead of replacing carpeting. The only time I ever recommend
installing new carpeting is if there is significant damage to your existing carpets