Home Selling Tips ROOM-BY-ROOM CHECKLIST

Home Selling Tips ROOM-BY-ROOM CHECKLIST

Selling a home can be stressful. Between choosing a realtor, putting your listing on the market, and preparing your home for showings, it s easy to get overwhelmed with the long list of things to do. At Urban Acres, we want to make the home selling process as easy as possible. That s why we ve put together this roomby-room checklist: to ensure that you don t forget the big or little tasks when preparing your home to sell. From removing cobwebs to rearranging furniture, completing these simple steps will help ensure your home shows well to prospective buyers.

EXTERIOR If your house is painted, check the exterior for excessive paint peeling or fading and fix any problem spots If your house has vinyl siding, make sure it s cleaned and in good condition Make sure light bulbs in exterior lights are in working order Patch up any cracks in the driveway, steps, or walkways Trim and remove dead branches from all trees and shrubbery Remove weeds from flower beds, sidewalks, and walkways Replace any necessary rocks or mulch Declutter, clean, and take care of any staining on the front patio or deck Depending on the season, mow and edge your lawn, rake up leaves, and clear the sidewalks and driveway of snow and ice Brighten up the front door or fence with a fresh coat of paint Replace any out-of-date house numbers, light fixtures, or doorknobs Add warmth to the entryway with a new doormat or a seasonal wreath Brighten up the exterior with a pot of colorful flowers or plants

ENTRYWAY & HALLWAYS Remove cobwebs on the ceiling Clean the front door and sweep the entryway, inside and out Brighten up a long, dark hallway with a fresh coat of paint in a neutral color such as beige, tan, or light grey Remove all artwork unless it highlights key features such as a large wall Rearrange or remove unnecessary furniture to ensure the area looks open and people can easily pass through Add warmth and texture with a colorful runner or area rug Replace any out-of-date or boring lighting with an eye-catching new light fixture such as a pendant or chandelier If you have space at the end of a long hallway add a table and floral arrangement and a piece of art to serve as a focal point Add a pop of color with a fresh bouquet of flowers or a tall, leafy plant

LIVING ROOM Remove cobwebs on the ceiling Consider repainting brightly colored rooms in a neutral color such as beige, tan, or light grey Remove all artwork unless it highlights key features such as a fireplace, stairway, or large, open wall Remove all knick-knacks such as books, vases, and souvenirs Highlight built-in features such as bookcases and shelves with small, uncluttered groups of attractive items placed on the shelves Use smaller, less intrusive pieces of furniture in tight spaces to ensure that the area looks open and people can easily pass through

KITCHEN Remove cobwebs on the ceiling Inspect the ceiling for grease or stains and clean as needed Wipe down and polish cabinets Clean the oven, range, range hood, and microwave of any grease and stains Confirm appliances are operating properly including light bulbs Check plumbing for drips or leaks Clear off and clean countertops Replace caulk where needed Clean the floor Consider repainting brightly colored rooms in a neutral color such as beige, tan, or light grey If your kitchen cabinets are out of date, consider changing the handles as a less expensive way to update them Make your kitchen cupboards and pantry appear organized and spacious by tossing, donating, or packing away unnecessary items Remove art and personal photos from the front of the refrigerator

DINING ROOM Remove cobwebs on the ceiling Consider repainting brightly colored rooms in a neutral color such as beige, tan, or light grey Remove all artwork unless it highlights key features such as a large, open wall Add a pop of color with a large vase of fresh cut flowers on the table Reflect natural light with a mirror across from the window

BEDROOMS Remove cobwebs on the ceiling Consider repainting brightly colored rooms in a neutral color such as beige, tan, or light grey Make your closet appear organized and spacious by tossing, donating, or packing away unnecessary items Remove any distracting or unnecessary furniture from the room Add a headboard and wash or replace all bedding with a neutral style Choose window treatments that match the style and color of the room Add a pop of color with a live potted plant or bouquet of fresh flowers

BATHROOMS Remove cobwebs from the ceiling Inspect the ceiling for stains and clean as needed Make your vanity and medicine cabinets appear organized and spacious by tossing, donating, or packing away unnecessary items Wipe down and polish vanity cabinets Scrub down the sink, toilet, and shower Check plumbing for drips or leaks Clear off and clean vanity tops Replace caulk and grout where needed Clean the floor Consider repainting brightly colored rooms in a neutral color such as beige, tan, or light grey Make your linen closet appear more spacious by tossing, donating, or packing away unnecessary items If your bath cabinets are out of date, consider changing the handles as a less expensive way to update them Remove all items that convey housework and maintenance such as cleaning products and spare toilet rolls Display a set of beautiful, soft towels

OFFICE Remove cobwebs on the ceiling Consider repainting brightly colored rooms in a neutral color such as beige, tan, or light grey Remove all knick-knacks such as books, vases, souvenirs, etc. Keep writing utensils in a holder and hide papers in an attractive box Illuminate the space with an attractive lamp on the desk

BASEMENT & GARAGE Check plumbing for drips or leaks Make sure the furnace and water heater are free of dirt and rust Replace furnace filter Make sure the dehumidifier is operating properly be staying with the house Clean the floor of debris and stains Ensure all doors including any overhead garage doors work and check for Freshen up the floors and walls with a new coat of paint Clean out shelves, work areas, and floor of any unnecessary items and clutter Install a pegboard for an easy and attractive way to organize tools Install blinds to cover up any undesirable basement window views

2017 Urban Acres