The JANDD Group - Home Preparation Tips

Interior
Exterior
Before Showings

The Interior:

Clean Everything

This not your everyday, run-of-the-mill housecleaning. Begin in the major areas of the house. The kitchen sink and counters should be sparkling, as should the appliances. Wipe down the inside and outside of the cabinets. Do the same in the bathrooms, and make sure to remove any hard water stains or soap scum on the shower stalls, tubs, etc. All flooring should be cleaned (tile grout included). Rent a steam cleaner, if necessary, for the carpets. Dust everywhere, including window sills, blinds, A/C vents, furniture, TV’s, and fans. Clean any cobwebs out of the ceiling corners.

De-clutter

For some people, this might involve renting a storage unit. And, no, your garage doesn’t count. Begin by removing all unnecessary furniture. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but you’re going to have to do it at some point anyway. The family and living rooms should have no more than a couch, loveseat, and recliner. The smaller the room, the more furniture needs to go. Bedrooms should consist of no more than a bed, 2 end tables, and 2 matching lamps. Clear everything off the kitchen and bathroom counters (this is extremely important). This one’s going to hurt the most, but it is vitally important to clear out the closets. Leave only necessary clothing. Finally, remove all family photos, take down the drapes (unless they are custom and add to the décor), and remove any prescription drugs and valuables.

Paint

Begin by assessing your current situation. If the walls of your home are painted a neutral color and in near perfect condition, you can feel free to skip this step. However, if you are like most of us, your walls have some scuff marks, maybe a small hole or two, and are not either white or beige. Therefore, pay a visit your local home improvement store or paint supplier and get a medium quality, slightly off-white or light beige paint. Use a semi-gloss for kitchens and bathrooms and flat for everywhere else.

Fix-it-up or Replace it

You can hire a home inspector to do this or, if you are the do-it-yourself type, make a list of those items in the home that need to be fixed or replaced. In the bathrooms, check to make sure the faucets, showers, toilets and tubs work and are sealed properly. In the kitchen, test all the appliances. In particular, check the dishwasher for leaks and the stove for malfunctioning burners. Look under the sink for any signs of water damage. In all the rooms, test the light switches, fans, and electrical outlets. Make sure the light bulbs are working and are the same style and wattage. Check the blinds to make sure they open and close properly and the windows to make sure they seal and lock. Finally, test the garage door opener, eyeball the hot water heater for signs of a leak, and check the A/C filter to see if it needs to be replaced or cleaned. Make sure to fix or replace any of the items on your list.

The Exterior :

Pressure Wash and Paint

Start by pressure washing the entire exterior of your home. Then, paint the front door and all the trim. Take a step back and decide whether or not the rest of the house needs a coat of paint. If you are on a limited budget, paint the garage door, front patio or porch, entryway, and any other surface visible from the street. Finally, clean the windows. The best way to do this is with a bucket, some dish soap, a sponge, and a squeegee.

Landscape

One major element of curb appeal is the overall look of the yard and landscaping. Keep in mind that you are preparing your home for sale, not entering a contest. Therefore, keep it simple. Start with the basics by mowing, edging, trimming, and weeding. Shrubs should be no more than 2 or 3 feet high, and should not block windows. Tree limbs should not overhang the roof or driveway. Remove any dead or dying plants. Invest in some colorful annuals and put down a new layer of mulch. If your lawn isn’t up to par, fertilize it or pay a lawn company to do that for you. Finally, check your irrigation system to ensure proper coverage.

Fix-it-up or Replace it

Hiring a general building inspector and a termite/wood destroying organism inspector is the best idea here. This is especially important for homes more than 10 years old. However, if you have specialized knowledge, or your home is only a couple of years old, you might be able to complete this step yourself. Begin by making sure all hose bibs function properly and are free from leaks. Check any outdoor lighting and fans. Eyeball siding and trim for signs of wood rot. If you can SAFELY get on your roof, look for missing shingles or exposed nail heads. If you have a pool, look for cracks that might indicate a leak. Also, check to make sure your pump and cleaning system are operating as they should. Fix or replace anything on your list.

Before Showings:

Clean and De-clutter

Hopefully, most of this has been taken care of prior to listing your home on the market. However, no one can keep their house in perfect condition all the time. Start by clearing off all counters and tables. Clean all your dishes and put them away. Check bathrooms to make sure toilet seats are down and mirrors are cleaned. This is also a good time to store any prescription drugs. If you have a pet, put away litter boxes, water and food dishes, and crates. Finally, remove anything from the floor that doesn’t belong there and vacuum or mop.

Adjusting Lighting

Begin by turning on all interior and exterior lights. Then, open blinds and drapes to let in as much natural light as possible.

Use Your Nose

Step outside your house for 5 minutes. Walk back inside and try to detect any unusual or unpleasant smells. DO NOT try to mask odors with heavy scents, sprays, candles, plug-ins, etc. Instead, remove the source of the smell (if you can locate it), turn on fans, and open windows. If you have time, bake a batch of cookies. If not, put a few drops of vanilla extract in your oven (on the inside of the door) and turn it on.

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