When you are getting ready to sell your home, check off the list below and you’ll be in good shape for getting top dollar on your home and an easier sale. In a perfect world, you should check off all of these:). Do what you can, but the more you check off the list, the more your buyers will love your house (and pay more). This may be the time to get help from family members or professional cleaners to impress buyers who will love your home. – Shawn
First, do minor repairs, De-clutter/Re-organize/De-personalize and then clean.
Minor repairs
__Patch holes in sheetrock walls and touch up paint (hardware stores can match the paint pretty close if you bring a chip of your old paint).
__Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
__Replace cracked windows, door handles, cabinet door knobs, leaky faucets.
__Replace all light bulbs to 60 – 100 watt ones (go neutral, not blue or purple lights).
__Service HVAC system (new air filter).
__Save appliances warranties, receipts of updates or repairs.
Ok, now are you ready for the next step?
De-clutter/Re-organize/De-personalize
__De-clutter = Make more space!!
__The more empty spaces the better because empty spaces look BIGGER.
__Time to clear out things you haven’t used for more than six months and/or things you won’t be taking to your new home.
__Time to donate! Don’t make mistakes like the lawn mower that I brought from Minnesota to Portland. It was so heavy, I couldn’t use it in my sloped backyard.
__Box up items that you won’t be using in the next three to six months: Stack the boxes in the garage space without blocking the electric panel, furnace and water heater, so your buyers’ home inspectors can access the areas. Consider temporary storage space if needed. It’d be worth it.
Re-organize
__Put daily used essential items in a small box that can be stored in a closet when not in use, like kids’ toys.
__High value items (jewelry, watches), prescription medication and financial documents to a safe place.
__Remove excess furniture: extra bookcases, corner tables, old plants (not healthy ones), chests, chairs, coat hangers, shoe cabinet by door,… especially if any of these are blocking paths (feng shui). If your recliner already had it, maybe it’s time to donate.
__Clear the kitchen counter space, except for maybe your fancy coffee maker, knife set or cutting board.
__Empty out at least 1/3 of the closet space, so it looks spacious and buyers can see there’s enough room.
__Hang shirts together, facing the same direction.
__Line up shoes.
De-personalize
__Box away personal, family pictures, religious items. Potential buyers need to feel like this could be their home, not feel like they are intruding in someone else’s home.
__Decor: the simpler the better. Stay away from too personalized (don’t do Roman decor), think modern.
__Change the bedsheets with calm neutral colors (calm and relaxing).
Sparkly House (Inside clean)
__Clean windows inside and outside: will brighten your home and make it look spacious.
__Carpet shampooing.
__Professional deep cleaning (see a separate list below).
__Hang up fresh towels.
__Replace bath mats, door mats (if old… buy the ones you want to take to your new home).
__Deodorize: Open all windows, use carpet deodorizer, spray gentle air neutralizer (outlet plug-ins are way too strong and unhealthy).
Sparkly Yard (Curb Appeal)
__Remove anything that grows that you don’t want.
__Trim back big bushes and trees if blocking any windows. These make the house look too small.
__Put in colors, like planters or flowers.
__Add new bark dust.
__New light bulbs.
__Put away trash cans.
Checklist Before Showings
__Put away daily used items.
__Clear all surfaces.
__Turn all lights on.
__Open all blinds and shower curtains.
__Close toilet lids.
Cleaner’s List – Deep Clean
Bathrooms
__Toilets __Tub __Shower __Shower head __Sink __Faucets __Floor __Mirror __Light fixture (in&out) __Medicine cabinet __Vents __Cabinet (in & out).
Kitchen
__Oven (in & out)
__Refrigerator (in & out)
__Microwave
__Dishwasher
__Cabinets (in & out)
__Counter surfaces (kitchen and bathrooms)
__Hood (including exhaust filter)
__Sinks
__Faucets
All through the house
__Clean windows (in & out)
__Interior light fixtures (in & out)
__Exterior fixtures
__Fans
__Mirrors
__Light switch plates and surrounding walls
__Door knobs
__Baseboards
__Vents
Now you are ready to show your home! If you have any questions or suggestions, please let me know. Shawn Yu 503-515-4499, shawn@shawn-realty.com.
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