preparing your property to sell

Outdoors

• Spruce up your garden and lawn; trim shrubbery and replace dead plants
• Yard and patio should be neat; outdoor furniture should be clean and in good shape
• Clean or paint your front door - remember first impressions last the longest!
• Manicure your front yard; make sure your driveway and entryway are free of clutter

Exterior

• Check that house numbers, mailbox, and exterior lighting are all in good condition
• Touch up with fresh paint as needed
• Inspect chimney for cracks or earthquake damage
• Repair loose trim, drain pipes, and fencing
• Clean stains and window screens

Garage

• Remove clutter and tidy up the shelves
• Clean the floor

Overall

• Apply fresh paint as needed. Think about brightening your interior with neutral-toned paint
• Clean draperies and carpets
• Replace burned out light bulbs
• Clean the fireplace and remove smoke stains from the wall and mantle

Kitchen

• Sinks, appliances and counter tops should sparkle; remove any clutter.
• Wax the floor
• Clean the oven range and other appliances
• Clean tile and grout; replace if necessary

Bathrooms

• Clean mirrors, glass, chrome and porcelain surfaces
• Replace shower curtain if necessary
• Fix any faucet drips or leaks
• Clean grout and caulking; replace if necessary

Closets

• Doors and drawers should open and close easily
• Remove clutter; tidy up shelves and racks
• Clothes should be neatly arranged

Indoors

• Check the basics around the house. It takes just a minute to check all doors, windows and cabinets to make sure they don't stick, squeak or are too loose
• Clean your furnace and water heater so buyers know they are looking at a house that has been well maintained