Advice for Sellers



You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Once you have put your home on the market for sale, there are a few simple things that you may do that make your property more attractive to potential buyers. Depending on whether you want a basic cleanup, a quick fix, or the services of a professional home stager, you can increase the purchase price of your home and facilitate a quicker sale.


The following is a list suggested improvements and maintenance for major areas of your property:



    First Impression

  • Perform a walk through as though you were a buyer to gage your impressions

  • Depersonalize your house – give buyers a clean slate


      • Exterior and Interior

  • Remove clutter regardless of emotional attachment

  • Remove dirt, cobwebs, paint splash, etc.

  • Clean and polish door hardware and handrails

  • Clean wall switches and outlet covers

  • Add houseplants and flowers throughout house


      • Exterior

  • Trim trees and shrubs, remove weeds

  • Wash front steps, and porch

  • Make sure all exterior lights work properly and are debris-free

  • Clean or replace welcome mat

  • Wash windows and screens

  • Repaint house - Most dramatic way to make good first impression is through paint. It gives you the best value for each dollar invested. It is relatively inexpensive improvement that gives a dramatic increase in “curb appeal.”

  • Repaint or replace fences and gates


      • General Interior

  • Clean and Wax floors shampoo carpets, drapes and blinds

  • Repaint or touch up paint needed spots - Use neutral colors – whites, creams, etc

  • Make sure to wash away dirt, scrape off peeling paint, patch holes, and replace damaged wood


      • Bathrooms

  • Seal caulking around tub, shower, and toilet

  • Replace old toilet seats

  • Replace shower curtains

  • Clean tile and repair grout

  • Paint or wallpaper using neutral and light colors

  • Make sure drawers and cabinets open and close properly

  • Clean out medicine cabinet


      • Kitchen

  • Clean cabinets and appliances and refrigerator interior

  • Clear clutter from countertops

  • Make sure drawers and cabinets open and close properly

  • Make sure all appliances work properly


      • Home Tours

  • Always be ready, keep home clean and organized

  • Give the agent more time than necessary to show the space because buyers may arrive late

  • Pets should be out of house, preferable off of property entirely. No need to scare off a buyer

  • Pet odors should be controlled by keeping your pet in a specific area or outside


      • Hire the Services of a Professional Stager

  • Staging is the process of preparing a home for sale, with the goal of getting the most money in the shortest amount of time possible Staged Homes sell for an average of 3% or $26,000 over list price (and as high as 50% over in some markets)