Home Selling Tips

This page describes the best ways to prepare your house for the market.

Getting Your Home Ready for the Market

Once your home is listed with MLS it's "show time." Your house and even your way of life are on stage with the potential buyers who will see them. To keep the property looking its best, establish a routine to take care of the little details like making the beds each morning, clearing up the clutter and sprucing up all the spaces. These must be done daily or, in the case of repeat showings, every few hours.

Price and condition of a home are the key factors for a successful sale.

To ensure the best condition, pay special attention to these areas:

Inside

• Clean walls and paint, if needed, with neutral colors.
• Clean windows inside and out.
• Test all light fixtures and put in new bulbs as needed.
• Check all plumbing fixtures and repair as needed.
• Provide a pleasant scent in the house; remove any odors.
• Make sure sinks and tubs are shiny and spotless.
• Check caulking in tubs and showers, repair as needed.
• De-clutter all closets, attic, garage and other storage areas.
• Pare down furnishings to give your home a more spacious look .

Outside

• Mow, water and edge lawn carefully, then remove any grass clippings.
• Spruce up flower beds, trim trees and weed.
• Clean or paint exterior surfaces, particularly the front door.
• Test all door and window locks.
• Inspect screens and screen doors, repair or replace as needed.
• Refurbish or replace faded street numbers.
• Have roof condition checked by an expert.
• Make sure all exterior lighting is in working condition.

Showing — When your home is to be shown, we will always attempt to make an appointment with you, giving you as much advance notice as possible. To help make the best impression during showings, we suggest you:

• Open draperies and curtains to let in natural light.
• Turn on enough lights to brighten every corner.
• Remove dirty dishes.
• Make beds.
• Dust and vacuum; clear clutter.
• Clean kitchens and baths so they sparkle; clear all clutter.
• Turn off TVs and radios to cut down distractions.
• Remove pets from the house.
• Put away or remove valuables such as jewelry and cash.

Stay Safe — The most important element of the home sale is your safety. Avoid talking with prospective buyers during showings. Let the agent showing your home answer any questions the prospective buyers may have. It is best for you to leave while the house is being shown. Complete the Seller's Disclosure Statement accurately and fully, and update it as needed to correctly reflect the condition of your home.

If a prospective buyer comes by unexpectedly without a broker, get their name and phone number. FOR YOUR OWN PROTECTION, DO NOT SHOW THE HOME. Have unescorted buyers call your agent for an appointment.