Home Sellers Survival Guide

Selling your house? There’s loads of competition!

And just like you want to look your best for an important event, so must your home — if you want the best price for it. Get the competitive edge by doing what it takes in advance.
Use the following checklist as you begin discussion with your real estate agent on just what you need to do to make your house most desirable:

Before selling:

• Weed & feed lawn
• Repair|clean windows & screens
• Repair & paint fences
• Clean siding
• Clean & repair gutters
• Scrape & paint trim
• Replace front door screen; paint door
• Clean garage|paint floor
• Seal driveway|add crushed stone
• Trim hedges|shrubs
• Remove lawn clutter
• Replace welcome mat
• Repair door bell & door locks
• Clean entry hall
• Clean closets
• Paint|touch up walls & ceilings
• Shampoo carpets
• Wash & wax floor
• Remove worn wallpaper
• Remove excess furniture
• Clean fireplace
• Replace light bulbs
• Clean cobwebs
• Clean shower curtains
• Grout tub|showers
• Clean oven & stove-top
• Wash door frames & light switches

Before showing & open houses:

• Close garage door
• Clean kitchen counters
• Pick up toys & tools
• Remove trash|garbage
• Clean table tops
• Set the dining room table
• Turn on all lights
• Put on pleasant music
• Secure pets
• Make beds
• Open blinds|shades|curtains
• Add flowers inside & out
• Set temperature at comfort levelHave the following on hand:
• Property brochure
• Survey map|plat plan
• Utility bills
• List of home improvements made
• Current tax bills
• Local school info