Buyer's Eyes
Below are questions to ask yourself when preparing your home for sale to ensure it looks the best it possibly can in the eyes of a buyer.
Exterior
1) Does your yard look well maintained?
2) Are the trees and bushes trimmed?
3) Is your lawn mowed and edged?
4) Is your lawn free of weeds?
5) Are the decks and patios clean?
6) Does your house need painting?
7) Are there any exterior holes or cracks?
8) Are your walks and porches clean and in good repair?
9) Does your roof leak or sag?
10) Are there any shingles or tiles missing?
11) Is your chimney in good shape?
All these items add to a good curb appeal, it is what a potential buyer see's first and makes an initial impression on them. No matter how charming your home is on the inside, if you can not attract a buyer in you will not sell the property.
Carpeting/Walls/Ceilings
1) Are your carpets clean and in good condition?
2) Do your carpets need stretching?
3) Are there any pet or smoking odors?
4) Do your walls have any cracks or holes?
5) Do your walls need painting?
6) What about that wallpaper?
7) Do your ceilings have any water stains, cracks or peeling?
8) Do your ceilings need painting?
Now you have your potential buyer in your home, they will make a quick first impression on the state of the house. Although this is just a first impression, it can last, use fragrences to provide a carm relaxing atmosphere, make sure the garbage is removed regularly to prevent the unwanted smells. A homely relaxing atmosphere provides a very good first impression which will be remembered.
Kitchen
1) Are all appliances clean and in good working order?
2) Are cabinets in good condition and doors fixed securly?
3) Are your countertops in good condition?
4) Is the tile grout and/ or back splah clean?
5) Is your sink stained, chipped, or in need or re-calking?
The kitchen is the single most important area, and is in most cases the center of family life. Cooking the family meal, snacks or even popcorn, the whole family uses it regularly. If the back splash is stained or dirty, or the tile grout faded this could give the impression that the property has not been maintained and could spoil the chances of getting your asking price.
Bathroom
1) Do the faucets shut off completely?
2) Do the sinks drain freely?
3) Are your toilets in good condition?
4) Are your shower doors an tiles shiny?
5) Do your tubs need caulking?
6) Is your floor in good condition and clean?
7) Are your vanities and mirrors in good condition?
The bathroom is fairly simple to setup, make sure that all tiles and doors to the shower are dry and clean and do not show water stains. If sinks are slow to empty clean the trap under the sink. Make sure all mirros are clean and smear free and the counter tops have minimal items on display. It is a good idea to use fragrances here made an ocean breeze smell to provide a clean sensation.
Living Room
1) Is your fireplace clean and in good working order?
2) Is the fireplace screen in good shape?
3) Are all drapes, shutters and shades clean and working properly?
4) Are there any bent window screens?
5) Do all the windows open and close easily?
6) Are the windowsills clean?
7) Are your doors in good condition?
8) Do any doors sag or stick?
9) Do the locks work?
10) Is the paint in good condition?
11) Do the doors seal tightly?
Make sure that this room is tidy, magazines in a rack kept to a minimum, coffee tables clean and inviting. Store remote controls out of site and make sure all drapes are open to allow as much natural light in as possible.
Basement/Attic
1) Is your basement/attic organized?
2) Are they well lit?
3) Are they clean?
4) Are the stairs in good repair?
5) Do the doors open and close easily?
6) Are there any signs of insects or rodents?
Although most people forget about these areas they can really say a lot. It is the place that all your unwanted items are stored, if this area is untidy then this can give the impression that everything has just been trown there to hide it. It is also the areas that can provide insight in to insect and rodent problems.
Garage
1) Is your garage organized?
2) Is it well lit?
3) Is the floor swept?
4) Are there oil spots or other stains on the concrete?
Although garages a mostly accepted as a functional area they also need to be accseible. Keep it well organized and store bikes and garden equipment neatly. Ensure that the garage door operates correctly and that any staines on the floor removed.
Overall if you have good curb appeal you will almost certanly get buyers coming in. If you keep you house bright using natural warm light and provide a relaxed welcoming atmosphere you are certain to get offers. Just remember a buyer is looking for a home to live in, the color scheme's may not be to their taste but this will not detract from the comfort level you have provided.