How to Prepare Your Home for Sale

So you've come to the conclusion that it's time for a new home? There are a few things to think about before you put your home on the market. Your first priority is to engage a realtor you trust. Then, spruce the property up.

PAINT
Painting indoors will pay dividends out of all proportion to the time and effort spent. Tone down the bold colors and settle for something neutral. An antique white or beige looks agreeable to almost anyone.

EXTERMINATE
Bugs and buyers simply don't get along!

CLEAN THE CARPETS
Regardless of how much other housecleaning you do, you home still will not show well if the carpet is soiled. Hire a professional carpet cleaner to brighten up your home and get rid of any pesky smoke and pet odors.

TOUCH UP THE ENTRY
Polish address numbers, doorknobs, and mailboxes. Paint the door. Trim the shrubs and plant fresh flowers. Splurge on a new welcome mat.

DECLUTTER
It's time to rid your closet of those worn or outdated clothes that you no longer fit into anyway. Clean out cupboards, closets, and garages - give things away, have a garage sale, or puck up in boxes and store out of sight.

DRY THE HOUSE OUT
Repair leaky pipes, faucets, and roofs. Fix moisture problems and water damage. Mildew is a common side effect of moisture and can even be the cause of some health issues.

TAKE TIME FOR THE SMALL THINGS
Tighten a loose knob, touch up scratches in the woodwork, replace torn window screens, patch major holes and cracks in wallboards and plaster. Repair of a loose stair rail or loose carpeting on a stairway is top priority.

CONCENTRATE ON THE BATHROOM
Replace peeling wallpaper and fix the leaky faucet. Scour the sink and toilet. Even a new toothbrush holder and soap dish can liven up a previously dull room.

DO A LITTLE LANDSCAPING
Prune bushes and shrubs. Plant some flowers. All of these things will make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

REPLACE KITCHEN AND BATHROOM TILES
These are two rooms that everyone uses. By making them look pleasing to the eye you are sure to attract potential buyers.

WHETHER IT'S CARPET, TILES OR HARDWOOD, REPLACE WORN FLOORING
Even the most beautiful home can look worn if the flooring is not in good shape.

If you want to sell your home quickly, plan ahead to make a good first impression. Buyers appreciate a clean, tidy interior, and if your home shows very nicely, it is likely to sell much more easily.

The easiest and most reliable way to improve the appeal of your home is to enlist a qualified home service professional. The right professional can help you get everything in order - from repainting the kitchen to providing a thorough cleaning - so you can stay focused on more important things.