At Action Real Estate, we use checklists for just about everything! It's one way we ensure consistant service to every one of our clients & make our job a little bit easier when things get hectic!
Now that you're ready to start the process of selling your home, you'll want to use this home sellers checklist to help you stay on track during what can be a hectic process! Print this checklist, refer to it often and don't jump to the next item until you've checked each one before it.
The list may appear daunting at first, but it's an important first step, and once you get through the first couple items, it gets easier! The important thing is to realize there is work involved in staging your home, and you have to be ready to take those steps. If you need help, or have basic question ...your Action Real Estate agent is only a phone call or email away! We'll take those steps with you!
Understand the Process and Terminology. You can learn much about the process right here on this website. Everyones circumstances are different and you can save some time by speaking with a Realtor at Action Real Estate. Let the agent know your getting ready to sell and have some questions. We're happy to help and will come out to your home with no obligation to discuss your homes value and staging ideas!
Planning Ahead. Perhaps most important is taking some time to walk through each room and criticize your home from a Buyers perspective. Make small repairs and touchups. Hold a yard sale. Sell, donate or trash anything you don't need. Once you've done that, wait a few days and take another walk through your home as a Buyer and make any final adjustments.
Clean, De-Clutter and De-Personalize. Thoroughly clean your entire home, top to bottom, front to back. Shampoo carpets, fix cracks and holes in the walls, repaint if needed. Remember to use neutral colors or pastels. Brightly colored childrens rooms should be toned down. Remove oversized and excess furniture to maximize space. Clear counters and shelves of excess small appliances, toys, magazines, and pet items. Remove excessive family photos, personal collections and stashes of medications. Clean the garage, and remove or secure valuable items such as jewelry.
Maximize Curb Appeal. Consider painting the exterior of the home, or at least the front. Freshen up trim, shutters and doors. Power wash siding, windows and decks. Repair cracks in walkways and driveways. Consider sealing blacktop driveways. Sweep the sidewalk and entry way. Mow, water and fertilize the lawn. Trim shrubs and trees, and rake leaves if needed. Plant colorful flowers, or use potted flowers if needed. Remove any toys or garden tools lieing about the lawn and yard. Clean up pet droppings and other pet items. Refrain from major repairs such as residing or re-roofing. It's usually better to just price the house with these items factored in, since you will not often recoup such major repairs.
Show Off Your Homes Best Features. Remove excessive rugs to show off hardwood floors. Pull back drapes to showcase nice views and let sunshine in. Remove and store window screens while your home is listed - it will let more sun shine in! Stage the front porch with attractive furniture and potted plants. Make sure the fireplace is working and clean the swimming pool and deck.
Appeal to the Senses. So you've listed your home with your favorite Action Agent and its time for showings or an open house. Bake cookies or burn lightly scented candles. Install higher wattage light bulbs to brighten rooms. Turn on ALL the lights. Pull back the curtains and open a few windows to let fresh air in. Turn off TV's and refrain from smoking in the house. Relocate pets during showings and on the day of an open house.