Preparing to Sell A Home

With the market as it is today, Sellers must do the extras necessary to make their house standout. Buyers have a choice, and as noted in the news today, and is armed with knowledge that prices are flat in most markets.

So what can a Seller do to maximize their home's value?

The first and most important task is to take careful stock of the house's present condition.
Using a form such as that shown here can help!

Home Preparation Checklist

First impressions are often lasting ones. It is absolutely vital that prospective buyers form a good opinion of your home from the moment they drive up. Homes that convey pride of ownership often sell more quickly and frequently receive the best offers.

Landscaping
Lawn _______________________________________________
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Hedges / Flowerbed _______________________________________________
Fences / Gates _______________________________________________
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Walks / Driveway _______________________________________________
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Exterior
Paint _______________________________________________
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Porches / Decks _______________________________________________
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Siding _______________________________________________
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Front
Door _______________________________________________
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Roof / Gutters _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

Entry, Living Room, Dining Room
Floors / Carpeting _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Walls / Ceilings _______________________________________________
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Fireplace _______________________________________________
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Window
Coverings __________________________________________
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Furniture
Arrangement _____________________________________________
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Kitchen
Flooring _______________________________________________
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Walls / Ceiling _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Cabinets _______________________________________________
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Countertops ______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Appliances _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Sink / Faucet _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Bathroom(s)
Floor / Carpeting _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Walls / Ceiling _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Window Coverings _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Closets _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Furniture Arrangement _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

Basement
Stairway / Handrails _____________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Floors _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Storage Areas ___________________________________________
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Finished Areas _____________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Garage
Door / Opener _____________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Storage _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Floor _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
General
Windows _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________
Doors _______________________________________________
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Lights _______________________________________________
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Cleanliness _______________________________________________
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Odors _______________________________________________
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Access _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________

After conducting this exhaustive survey of the house, the home owners are ready to determine what work they can do and that which they will need to seek a professional's assistance with.
Frequently, at this juncture, homeowners contact their Realtor to attain his/her expert advice on the most necessary items to address.

Upon determining what they can do and what to pay for, the homeowners must get a strong reference from a trusted individual or get a minimum of three estimates. IF a homeowner is referred to a contractor, the homeowner must ask the following:

1. The frequency that the referring party has used the services of the contractor
2. The complaints lodged or short comings noted in past work
3. What assurance of "best price" for "best quality" can be provided
4. Is the contractor licensed and insured
5. What is contractor's familiarity with said repairs/work to be completed.

If you find any unsatisfactory answer to these questions, be sure to get multiple estimates and get the estimates in WRITING!!!!