Looking with a critical eye….Step 2

Remember, don’t get caught at the last minute trying to prepare your house for sale —price and condition are the two key factors to attracting buyers. You have already completed Step 1—removal and storage of "stuff."

 

Step 2 is next and includes a critical evaluation of your own home. You need to take off your homeowner’s hat and put on your buyer’s crown. It is very important to be honest with yourself when you are doing this because the answers to the questions will help you prepare your home for sale and make your home stand out among the others.

 

Ready? You need to go outside and take a good, long look around your house.

 

1.      Does the exterior of the home look fresh and maintained:

·         Exterior material (siding, brick, wood) is well-maintained?

·         Trim and front door are clean and painted?

·         Walkways are maintained and clear of debris?

·         Landscaping is neat and pruned and attractive?

·         Windows are clean?

·         Driveway is in good shape?

2.      Is the lawn more grass than weeds or more weeds than grass?

·         Does it need fertilizer?

·         Does it need to be raked?

·         Does it need to be seeded?

3.      Is the roof in good shape? 

·         When is it due to be replaced?

4.      Are the gutters clean?

5.      Are all exterior lights clean and in working order?

6.      Do you have a deck, patio, screen porch, or some kind of entertainment area?

·         Is it clean and in good shape?

·         Does it need to be power washed, or restained, or repainted?

·         Are the screens intact and without holes?

·         Is the outdoor furniture clean?

7.      How large is the garage? 

·         Do the cars fit in comfortably?

·         Is there storage space? 

·         Is it neat and tidy? 

·         Can you move around easily?

 

Because everyone’s home is different, you can use the following checklist as a guide for each room in your home. These are general questions—Step 3 will include the nitty gritty on kitchens and bathrooms! However, when you are walking around your home, don’t forget about the foyer, hallways, landings, and any other non-room areas. These are important, too.

 

8.      Can I move around the room easily? 

·         Is there a natural flow?          

·         Is anything in my way?

9.      What catches my eye in the room?   

·         Are there distractions or things that do not belong in the room, eg, photos, posters, overly large plants, large aquarium, exercise equipment, etc.

·         Is there something out of place or too large in the room?

·         Are the windows blocked and why?

10. Does anything in the room put off an odor, eg, animal cages, cat litter boxes, dirty fish tank, strong candles, cigarette smoke, dirty fireplace, etc.) ?

11. How do the floors look (depending on the flooring)?           

·         Are there stains on the carpet?

·         Is the carpet old and worn or an out of date color?

·         Are there dull, worn areas in the hardwood floors?

·         Is the vinyl floor yellowing, cracking, or peeling?

·         Are any of the ceramic tiles cracked or is the grout dirty?

12. What color are the walls? 

·         Are they neutral or are they bold, loud, dark, or dingy? (Examples of neutrals include light/medium beige, off-whites, pale yellow or sage or blue.)

13. Does the room have wallpaper from another era or otherwise very personalized? 

·         Is the wallpaper screaming “owner’s personal favorite” at you?

·         Can it be easily removed and painted? (Wallpaper can be a huge turn off to buyers.)

14. What kind of light fixtures are in each room? 

·         Are they old and out of date?

·         Do they match the era or décor of the house?

·         Are they clean?

·         Do they work?

·         Do they provide enough light in the room?

15. How old are the windows? 

·         Do they work properly?

·         Are there any broken seals, cracked panes, or broken sills?

16. Are the closets neat and organized?

·         Are the closets only 50-75% full?

17. Is the basement finished or unfinished?

·         If unfinished, is it clean and tidy?

·         Is there appropriate lighting?

·         Is the laundry area in the basement and is it clean and tidy?

·         Are you afraid to go down to the basement?

18. Are the mechanical features (A/C, furnace, hot water heater) regularly serviced?

·         When are they due to be replaced?

 

Once you have answered these questions honestly, you can begin to make a plan for the minor and major tasks, eg, organize, paint, replace, repair, service, etc. This is a huge step in getting your home ready for sale. Sometimes, it is overwhelming, sometimes it is annoying, and sometimes sellers just don’t want to be bothered. These are the items we, Olsen Ziegler Realty, often help our clients with and, in the long run, it pays off both in time and money! Also, we want sellers to know that once a home goes on the market, the price and condition are discussed among real estate agents and among the agents and their clients…don’t give them anything negative to talk about!

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