A Checklist of “To Do’s” Before You Put Your House Up For Sale

Clean your home. No one wants to live with another person’s dirt. Keep bathrooms, kitchen counters and floors cleaned at all times.

Neutralize your home.  Tone down your wall colours, floor and window coverings.  Create a look that will appeal to all potential buyers. Never underestimate the power of paint, which almost always pays for itself and more. Paint the exterior of your home if need be – peeling trim paint is not attractive.

De-personalize.  Pack away family pictures, children’s drawings and knick-knacks.  They will only distract the potential buyer.  It is important that the potential buyer can visualize themselves living in each room.

Minor Fix-its.  Fix up any leaky taps, creaky doors, cracked/broken windows, update flooring.

De-clutter.  Pack up things that you seldom use.  It’s important the potential buyer is able to visualize himself/herself in the living space.  For example, de-cluttering your closets will allow more clean space, rather than stuffing it to the brim.  The potential buyer wants to see “bigger-looking” space or rooms.

Define your rooms.  Make sure the potential buyer is clear where he/she can comfortably entertain, dine, study, play etc.

Lighting.  Change bulbs to ensure they are all working.  If necessary, invest in some new light fixtures inside and out.

Accessorize.  Use mirrors wherever possible to maximize light and space. Carefully dress up your home with carefully chosen and co-ordinated accessories.  Use colour to tie the room together.  Plants or fresh flowers appeal to potential home buyers.

Inspect Your Home.  Why not hire a home inspector to tell you about any major or minor issues prior to selling.  Get these issues taken care of prior to selling.  This will ensure your out-of-pocket costs can be included in your selling price. Chances are if you don’t find the obvious the home inspector hired by the potential buyers will.

Pet Control.  It’s important you keep your pets to one room in the house, or if possible keep in a kennel until your house sells.  Many people find animal presence offensive and the smell of them lingering.

Windows – Inside and Out.  Keep your windows clean inside and outside.

Garage Sale.  Clean-out your garage. What you don’t pack away, sell at a Garage Sale. No one wants to see your junk in the garage.  They want to see it clean and empty – ready to drive in. 

Curb Appeal. The appearance of the outside of your house is just as important as the inside of your house. Keep your lawn cut and your bushes/shrubs groomed. Get rid of yard waste.