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PREPARINGYOUR
HOME
9
many options, so do some research and talk
to a home products professional to find those
improvements that best fit your plans and
budget.
There are few things that put buyers off more
than viewing a home that screams of being
uncared for. If you want to maximize your
chances for getting a good price, you might
need to make some minor upgrades, but
you’ll definitely need to make all necessary
repairs – even those that are “out of sight, out
of mind”.
Leaving aside major structural and functional
matters, here are a few relatively minor up-
grades and repairs that can go a long way to
improving how buyers perceive your home:
EXTERIOR
•
Fix or replace anything damaged or worn,
such as patio and deck, gutters and eaves,
windows, shutters, screens, light fixtures,
porches and steps, walkways and fences
•
Touch up all exterior paint or if needed, re-paint the
house
•
Fix doorbells, tighten loose doorknobs and oil
squeaking hinges
•
Clean or paint front door, polish front door hard-
ware, replace “Welcome”mat if necessary
•
Green-up dry lawn patches, plant extra flowers for
color, place potted plants beside the front door
REORGANIZATION ANDMAINTENANCE – THE
OBVIOUS THAT NEEDS DOING
Similar to necessary repairs, basic reorganization and
maintenance tasks are “must dos”. While buyers might
not notice such work when it is done, they are sure to
notice when it is not. This impression of neglect will
make it more difficult for them to comfortably project
themselves into your home’s living space.
Here are a few reorganization and maintenance tasks
that can improve your homes curb appeal and having a
feeling of being at home.
EXTERIOR
•
Mow and rake the lawn, trim hedges and shrubs,
weed and edge gardens
•
Clean sidewalks and driveway, remove any litter
•
Remove unnecessary items from the exterior of the
house
•
Power wash the porch, siding, deck and patio
•
Clean off your outdoor furniture and remove any in
poor repair
•
Clean your air conditioner
•
Clear out the garage of everything but cars. If yours
has become a two-car attic, throw out all unneces-
sary items, and then thoroughly organize and clean
everything that remains
•
If you have a pool, make sure it’s clean and function-
ing well or properly closed in the off-season
INTERIOR
•
Clean and tidy the entrance, clear stairs and halls
•
Create space by storing all excess furniture
•
Remove from closets, cabinets and shelves any
clothes and other items you won’t need until after
moving. Pre-pack and store if possible
ENCE