Windermere - Orcas Real Estate


 
Using a Windermere Agent to Sell Your Home Calculating Your Net Proceeds
Preparing Your House for Sale Moving Tips
Showing Your Home Packing Tips
Purchase and Sale Agreement Settlement - Who Pays What?
Home Inspections Glossary of Terms

Preparing Your Home for Sale

A clean, neat home in need of few or no repairs will sell faster, and at a higher price, than one that is run down. To give your home its best possible presentation, perform a mini-makeover before your home is shown to potential buyers. Then, do a final walk-through with your Windermere agent to make sure no details have been overlooked. Here's a list of tips that will help make your home more attractive. Some of the items below will be part of a buyer's inspection and may need to be repaired or replaced as part of the transaction. As your agent will discuss these important items with you.

Repair and Cleaning Checklist:
Exterior:

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 Remove peeling and chipped paint; replace with a fresh coat.
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 Clear gutters and downspouts.
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 Make sure there is good exterior lighting and all walkway lights and front door lanterns work.
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 Remove any moss from the roof.

Yard:
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 Mow and trim grass; re-seed and fertilize where necessary.
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 Prune all overgrown trees and shrubs.
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 Remove or replace dead or diseased plants, shrubs and trees.
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 Clean grease and oil stains from driveway.
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 Weed flower beds.

Decks/Patios:
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 Paint or stain worn areas in wood decks.
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 Remove grass growing in concrete cracks; sweep off debris from shrubs and trees.
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 Clean all fencing and make sure it's secure; replace missing slats or posts.


Front door:
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 Polish the hardware on the door until it shines.
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 Add a fresh coat of paint to get rid of nicks.
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 Clean the glass on the storm door; make certain the screen is secure.
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 Make sure the doorbell operates properly and there are no squeaks when the door opens and closes.

Windows:
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 Clean all windows-inside and out.
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 If needed, add a fresh coat of paint to the window trims and sills.
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 Make sure all windows open and close easily.
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 Replace cracked windowpanes and those with broken seals.
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 Make sure window screens are secure; replace any screens with holes or tears.

Entry:
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 Clean entryway floors and area rugs.
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 Downsize clutter in entry closet to give the appearance of spaciousness.
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 Double-check entry lighting to make sure it is operating.

Living room/dining room/family room:
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 Give the room a fresh coat of paint, if necessary.
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 Repair cracks and holes in ceiling and walls.
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 Make sure all wallpaper is secured.
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 Repaint any woodwork that is worn or chipped.
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 Clean draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light.
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 Make sure draperies and blinds open and close.
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 Wash windows.
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 Steam-clean carpets. Clean rugs and wood flooring and remove any stains or odors.
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 Position the furniture to showcase the size and space of the room.
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 Remove and replace any attached items, such as chandeliers and draperies that you wish to move with you.
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 Put away toys and hobby supplies; remove extra magazines and books from tables.

Kitchen:
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 Make sure countertops and sinks are clean and stain-free.
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 Fix dripping faucets.
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 Organize pantry and cupboards so they appear clean, neat and spacious.
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 Make sure the refrigerator and freezer are defrosted and free of odors.
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 Clean the oven and cook-top thoroughly.

Bathrooms:
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 Make sure sinks, tubs, showers and countertops are clean and free of stains.
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 Repair any leaky faucets.
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 Remove grout and soap stains from tile.
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 Replace any missing or cracked tiles or grout.
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 Make sure all joints are caulked.
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 Make sure all fixtures, including heat lamps and exhaust fans, are operating.
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 Install a new shower curtain.
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 Store all supplies like toilet paper, shampoo bottles and cleansers.

Bedrooms:
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 Repair cracks in ceiling and walls.
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 Apply a fresh coat of paint if necessary.
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 Make sure wallpaper is secure.
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 Clean draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light.
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 Put away toys, clothes.
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 Neatly make up the beds.

Basement:
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 Remove any evidence of water penetration or dampness.
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 Get rid of musty odors.
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 Clean furnace and drains.
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 Make sure light fixtures are operating.
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 Arrange storage area in a neat and organized minder.
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 Sweep floor.
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 Make sure stairway handrail is secure.

Tidy extras:
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 Plant flowers to brighten a walkway and enrich the entry
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 Hide or remove any indoor houseplants that are brown or losing their leaves.
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 Remove all fixer cars, campers and boats from the property.
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 Discard the clutter of magazines on the coffee and end tables.
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 Hide or get rid of worn-out throw pillows.
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 Replace shower curtains and invest in a matching set of towels in the bathrooms.
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 At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting. Buyers often drive-by homes they are considering at various times of day.
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