Joe Badin

Inside

Clean

Have the carpets shampooed; wax the floor, wash the walls, windows, blinds, drapes, and lighting fixtures. Consider engaging a cleaning service, recognizing that it is a justified expense.

Kitchen and Bathroom

Clear off counter tops. Leave your canisters and little else. These rooms should be gleaming. If unsightly, have the tub re–caulked and remove mineral deposits and grime from the shower walls. Clean the stove, microwave and refrigerator.

Primary Storage Area

Like the garage, its time has come to be liberated. Remember, you can do it now and benefit with a more attractive home on the market, or you can do it several months from now, in the process of moving when there is no advantage.

Repairs

Identify and repair dripping faucets, sticking or creaking doors, etc. When people see areas of disrepair they begin to wonder whether there may be other unseen problems.

Closets

Remove out of season clothing. Organize your clothing and shoes on the floor. Remove all clutter from the cabinets and closets.

Furniture

The less furniture, the larger a room appears to be.

A Light Appearance

As a rule, do everything to lighten the appearance of the home. Raise the blinds, open the drapes and use light colours. Repaint any room beginning to look shabby.

Outside

Walk the property with a pad and pencil. List anything that you think is less than satisfactory without regard to cost or time. You can review the list afterwards to determine what you can and can't repair.

The House

Take a close look as you walk the property. Clean anything that looks unkempt or dirty; repair or replace anything that looks loose, dingy, rusted or broken. Make sure the door bell works. Replace a tired–looking mail–box; clean the exterior light fixtures and wash the windows. Try to spot hanging or rusty gutters, crooked antenna, loose shingles or shutters.

The Yard

Turn and weed the beds; trim the trees and shrubs. Lay in ground cover. Mend the fence, fix the gate latch. Pick up litter. Consider a landscaping/lawn service.

Outdoor Furniture

Examine and spot paint your outdoor furniture. If it's rusty or consider disposing of the pieces.

Front Entry

It's the first thing your buyers see as they stand and wait for the door to open. It's worth the extra effort to spruce it up.

The Garage

The time has come. Discard everything in the garage that hasn't been used for a year. Wash it down.

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