Preparing Your Abingdon, Bel Air, White Marsh & Perry Hall Home For Market
Preparing your home for market means more than making it appealing to buyers. Make sure your home is immaculate -- buyers tend to “horribilize” cosmetic flaws like peeling wallpaper, water stains and leaking faucets. When they see flaws like these, they will question what else has been neglected -- has the heating and cooling system been properly maintained or is the plumbing system working properly? Small doubts created during a showing can immediately disqualify your home from further consideration.
Additionally, during the contract process a home inspection will usually occur. Home inspectors pay close attention and they can bring hidden problems to light at a sensitive time before closing. This often gives buyers new room to negotiate their final cost and your final net proceeds. By having your home inspected before going on the market, you have the advantage to repair anything necessary. Repairs may require a bit of work on your part, but it will be worth it in the end to give home inspectors and potential buyers the best impression. Not only that, but showing you take good care of a house goes a long way with buyers. Each person looks at different features to decide if it's the right choice. So give them plenty of reasons to pick your home! Use the helpful checklists below to make sure your home is ready for the market so you get the best price in your time frame.
OUTSIDE
KITCHEN
Mow the lawn, and trim trees and shrubs away from the house.
Remove dead plants, flowers & shrubs.
Put away tools, garbage cans, hoses, toys & building materials.
Remove window screens while selling your home & keep windows clean.
Check for broken roof shingles and clean out gutters.
Seal or resurface driveway.
Dress up front yard shrubs with fresh mulch.
Repaint or refinish trim around windows and doors.
Clean the stove, oven, range hood and countertops.
Repair dripping faucets and squeaks in cabinet drawers. Make sure cabinet hardware is cleaned.
Discard old food & leftovers from refrigerator.
Remove pictures & magnets from refrigerator.
Clear small appliances, dish drainer and cookware from countertop.
Wipe down cabinets and clear items under the sink.
Other: ___________________________
Other: ___________________________
FOYER
FAMILY ROOM
Clean all light fixtures and replace with bright bulbs.
Turn on all the lights before a buyer arrives to make your home light and bright.
Roll up and remove small rugs.
Fill the house with a fresh scent. Heat vanilla on the stove or in microwave or bake a batch of cookies.
Spotlessly clean woodwork & carpeting.
Clear window ledges of all objects to give a nice glimpse inside & out.
Repaint walls in a neutral color like antique white.
Other: ______________________________
Clean fireplace & remove any items in front of it.
Replace carpet if it has a loud color.
Remove magazines, books, games, toys and other clutter.
Create an easy going, relaxed atmosphere.
Dust and simplify shelves; remove family photos.
Other: _______________________________
Other: _______________________________
Other: _______________________________
LIVING ROOM
BATHROOMS
Discard worn furniture & move extras to a storage area.
Visit a model home to get decorating ideas.
Clear away all magazines, books & other objects.
Patch nail holes & paint.
Add lamps & lighting in dark areas.
Open the curtains.
Set out some fresh flowers.
_______________________________
Remove any unnecessary items from the vanity, tub, etc.
The fixtures, tile & shower curtain should be immaculate.
Caulk & grout tile. Bleach discolored grout.
Remove any wallpaper that is not "conservative."
Decorate with towels.
Check bath vents are working properly.
Make sure all fixtures work properly and fix leaks.
_______________________________
MASTER BEDROOM
MISCELLANEOUS
This is 2nd most important-to-be appealing room.
Define areas by furniture arrangement. Keep it simple.
Be sure clothes are hung up.
Store off-season clothing elsewhere.
Clean out closets for buyers to see storage size.
Add bed skirts for cleaner look.
Other: ______________________________
Clean or replace HVAC filter. Clean air returns.
Test all smoke detectors.
Clean chimney, fireplace or woodstove.
Remove any wallpaper that is not "conservative."
Decorate with towels.
Make sure all windows, doors and cabinets open easily without squeaks; replace rusty hinges.
Check ventilation in attic, basement and crawlspace; update if necessary.
