REALTY 1 ADVANTAGE

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR SALE

EXTERIOR

CURB APPEAL

• Curbside should be free of cars, debris and should be inviting in appearance
• Clean out the garage, carport, storage area and other outbuildings
• Take stains off your driveway with cleanser or kitty litter
• Clean and repair patio and deck area
• Remove any outdoor furniture that is not in good repair
• Stack woodpile neatly
• Repair or paint any items in special areas such as basketball court, kids’ playground, and putting green

ROOF, WALLS, FOUNDATION

• Repair leaks around flashings
• Clean gutters and downspouts of debris and repairs leaks
• Check for cracks in foundation and repair
• Check for flat-fitting roof shingles and replace where necessary
• Check chimney for loose bricks or wood and have the flue cleaned
• Hose off exterior wood and trim, replace damaged bricks, wood or siding
• Paint home in a color that does not detract from the home’s appearance or touch up if recently painted

WINDOWS AND DOORS

• Repair broken windows and shutters; replace torn screens
• Make sure frames and seams have solid caulking
• Clean the windows and blinds and open the drapes to let the sun shine in
• Paint the front door and mailbox; consider a seasonal door decoration
• Replace broken doorbell buttons, tighten loose knobs, and lubricate squeaky doors and sticky window tracks
• Polish the knocker and outside light fixtures

GROUNDS AND LANDSCAPING

• Mow lawn; trim shrubs, edge gardens and walkways, weed and mulch
• Add color and fill in bare spots with plantings
• Sweep walkways and driveway; remove branches, litter or toys
• Clean up pet waste and repair areas where pets may have done damage

POOL, HOT TUB, PUMPHOUSE

• Vacuum and scrub the pool/tub walls to remove accumulated dirt, scum, and oil at least once a week
• Remove debris with a hand held skimmer net
• Maintain proper water level. Add fresh water and allow it to flow into the skimmer every time you clean
• Take a water sample into a local pool store so they can test your pool's chemical levels
• Remove clutter from the pump house and be sure it is well ventilated
• Clean filters and have a mechanical check-up done on the pump

INTERIOR

WALLS

• Paint or wallpaper in neutral colors and textures
• Repair nail holes, scratches and dings in the walls and ceilings
• Remove excessive wall hangings to give an open, clean look
• Clean any mirrors
• Sweep cobwebs from ceilings, behind doors and in corners

FLOORS

• Shampoo carpets and polish floors
• Keep floors clean of debris, toys, etc.
• Clean mildew and soap from tile and grout
• Replace broken tiles and loose caulking

HEATING SYSTEM

• Clean furnace filters at least bi-annually
• Remove rust from any window air conditioning units
• Check thermostat for proper operation
• Move furniture away from vents, registers and radiators
• Close registers that are not in use, but not more that 1/4 th of the area of your home

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

• Replace burned out bulbs and clean the light fixtures
• Replace any circuit breakers that regularly go off
• Replace any non-working outlets and broken outlet covers
• Check entire home and garage for loose or exposed wiring and repair

APPLIANCES

OVEN or RANGE

• Clean the oven and stovetop, line the bottom of the oven with aluminum foil
• Replace old or stained burner rings, saucers or broken knobs
• Make sure there are no gas odors or leaks

REFRIGERATOR

• Wipe down shelves and doors; defrost the freezer, if necessary
• Remove old or excessive food
• Put in a box of baking soda to eliminate odors

DISHWASHER

• Use vinegar to remove mineral deposits from the heating element
• Replace any broken or chipped racking
• Check to see that the hot water setting is correct

DISPOSAL

• Clean the disposal by pushing ice cubes through it while running cold water for two minutes
• Fix any leaks around the sink drain and tighten the hose connections

WATER HEATER

• Make sure the thermostat is properly set so water is not too hot or cold
• Wrap a water heater blanket around to keep the temperature constant
• Tighten any loose hose or pipe connections

WASHER and DRYER

• Clean out any spilled soap clumps inside washer tub and water softener dispenser
• Clean the lint trap and the dryer exhaust hose
• Keep dirty laundry out of site and put supplies in cupboard area
• Tighten hose connections; replace rubber hose with stainless steel hose on washer