How Do I Get My House Ready to Sell?

How do I get my house ready to sell?  Check out these tips to get you on your way.

• Open the draperies, pull up the shades and let in the sunlight. nInstall higher wattage light bulbs to show your home brightly 
• Remove all clutter from each room to visually enlarge them. nIf you have a fireplace, highlight it in your decorating.
• Keep your home dusted and vacuumed at all times. nBathrooms should always be kept spotlessly clean.
• Re-caulk if the caulking is not sparkling white!
• The kitchen should always be spotlessly clean!
• Expand your counter space by removing small appliances. nHighlight an eat-in-area in your kitchen with a table set for dinner.
• If your carpet doesn't clean up well you should                          REPLACE IT!
• If you have numerous family photo's up put them away until your home is under contract.  Perspective buyers will feel more like it can be their home if they aren't aware of your family photo memories.
• Make sure the front door, storm door, screen door, etc. work effortlessly!
• Wash all windows inside and out.
• Curtains should be fresh, clean and attractive.
• Clean all light bulbs, light fixtures and chandeliers to brighten the home.
• Remove all smoke odors, pet odors, and odors resulting from hobbies.
• Remove posters and adhesive from walls and doors and putty any holes resulting from nails or other mishaps.
• Repair or replace all banisters and handrails.
• Repair or replace broken tiles on walls, floors or in showers/tubs.
• Repair or replace loose or dangling wall paper.
• If the basement shows any signs of water or structural damage it may be necessary to obtain a structural engineer's report.
• All toilet bowls if you cannot get them spotlessly clean.
• Replace shower curtains and keep them clean.
• Use plants in transitional areas of your home inside and out.
• Remove any excess extension cords and exposed wires.
• Add visual appeal to stairways, especially in unfinished stairways to the basement.
• Keep the yard mowed, raked, fertilized and watered at all times!
• Remove all toys, bicycles, tools, unsightly patio furniture, trash, etc. from the yard.
• Trees and shrubs should be pruned and trimmed.
• Lawns and gardens should be weeded at all times.
• All hoses and garden equipment should be neatly out of sight.
• Mail boxes should be evaluated with a critical eye.
• Porches, steps, verandas, balconies, patios and other extensions of the house should be kept uncluttered, swept and in good condition at all times.          
• Paint all entrance doors.
• Remove windsocks.
• Take pictures of your flowering mature landscaping if you are planning to sell your home later in the season.
• Clean, repair and paint all gutters and downspouts.
• All roof shingles, tiles, etc. should be secured or replaced.                                                           
• If the roof leaks - Fix It!