When you can tick all the boxes, you can rest easy that your home is ready for sale.
There’s nothing like a list to provide motivation.
And when you’re about to sell a home, you need that list more than ever to get things done and give your home that special “Wow!” factor before propective buyers start knocking at your door.
Make it easy for yourself. Divide the list into two parts under the headings “Exterior” and “Interior”, and decide which areas within each of those two parts needs attention. Once you’ve done that, arrange for someone to do the work, or, if you have the expertise, do it yourself.
Then tick the relevant box, and pat yourself on the back for a job well done!
Exterior
Repair or replace any fencing that is old and damaged.
Make sure your garden and lawns are tidy.
Check gutters, eaves and downpipes, and replace any that are rusting or need repair. If lookers come on a rainy day, you don’t want them to see water pouring through holes in the guttering.
Paint or replace your letterbox.
Replace any torn or shabby window screens.
Spruce up your front door or treat your house to a new one.
With these things done, the exterior of your home should have that special sparkle that will attract buyers inside.
Interior
Tidy up the interior and remove any items that you don’t need. While you want it to look like a home, clear surfaces help people to imagine their own belongings there.
If your home is overcrowded with furniture, think about putting some into storage while the house is on the market.
Keep your windows clean and replace any old or shabby window dressings such as curtains or blinds.
Make sure all your light bulbs are in working order. A non-working light can raise doubts about the general condition of the home.
Have your carpets cleaned regularly. As well as looking better, they will smell fresh.
If you can have the interior painted, this also creates a fresh look. As long as you choose acceptable colours, preferably neutral, this will also reassure people that they will not have to worry about painting immediately.
With both exterior and interior in order, you can now open your home for inspection, confident that you have done everything you can to make it appealing to porospective buyers.