Bookmark Page

Buyers will remember your home from its first impression. As a seller, preparing your house before you put it up for sale is essential to helping it get sold.

The cleaner and better-maintained your house appears, the more it will appeal to potential buyers. Imagine yourself as a buyer—what factors would influence your opinion of the property?

We have put together a list of some things you can do to get your house market-ready and ensure that the buyer’s first impression is a good one:

Outdoors:

• Check all gutters to make sure they are clear
• Check all outside trim, doors, and window frames to see if they need painted
• Check outdoor lighting to make sure all bulbs are working
• Check fences and gates to see if they need repaired or painted
• Check all screens to see if any need repaired or replaced
• Clean siding, windows, doors, AC unit, pool/spa, screens, trash areas, and yard

Indoors:

• Clean all windows and doors
• Clean all light switches and face plates
• Clean baseboards and chair rails
• Clean light fixtures and ceiling fans
• Clean curtains and blinds
• Make sure doors open smoothly
• Empty trash cans regularly
• Make beds daily
• Check for cobwebs in corners
• Keep all counter tops clear and clean
• Keep all bathrooms clean
• Keep dishes clean and put away
• Make sure all light bulbs are working
• Change furnace filters
• Put away all personal photos

Safety of Personal Items:

• Keep all items of value put up
• Keep all prescription drugs put up
• Put away all spare keys