Place a home warranty plan along with the listing to give the Buyer
peace of mind in avoiding unexpected repairs during the first year of ownership. The bonus
is, you are also covered during the listing period.
Repair leaky faucets, loose door knobs, sticking doors, etc.
Replace heating and air conditioning filters.
Use vinegar to clean the mineral deposits off the heating element of
your dishwasher.
Clean the oven, stove top, and microwave.
clean the garbage disposal by pushing a full tray of ice cubes through
it while running cold water. Follow this with a lemon for a fresh scent.
Clean your swimming pool, if you have one, until it sparkles.
Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint deterioration.
Check all decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railings for loose
members.
Check for any water penetration in the attic or on the ceilings.
Check the roof for any damaged, loose, or missing shingles.
Check the water heater for leaks or corrosion.
Clean areas around heating and cooling equipment.
Learn the location of electrical service panels and label each circuit.
Check for evidence of leaks around and under sinks, showers, toilets and
tubs.
Clean carpets and remove spots.
Clean walls, clean and wax woodwork.
Clean, wax and polish all hard surface floors
Clean windows inside and out - glass, frames, ledges and sills.
Remove ashes and soot from fireplace, clean smoke marks.
Adjust draperies and clean.
Clean upholstery and polish wood surfaces.
Deodorize the entire house to remove unpleasant odors, such as mildew,
smoke and cooking smells. (Unless it is the smell of fresh chocolate chip cookies - and
send me some.)
Clean kitchen ceiling, cabinets, appliances and fixtures.
Clean, wax and polish kitchen floor.
Clean bathrooms thoroughly - floors, walls, fixtures and tiles.
Clean and dust radiators and heating vents.
Use 75 watt light bulb to brighten rooms.
Arrange furniture to make rooms appear larger and provide maximum walk
space.
Clean attic and other storage areas.
Clean closets and hang clothes neatly. Store shoes, luggage and other
articles neatly.
Have a pest control service inspect the house for pests and termites and
treat if necessary.
Seal cracks and holes in the exterior of the home to prevent ants and
other pests from entering.
Remove any debris from around the house that might harbor pests.
Don't leave out food or dirty dishes, yours or your pets, to attract
pests.
Mow and edge your lawn regularly.
Prune and trim trees and shrubs.
Rake leaves and pick up fallen limbs.
Replace dead or diseased plants and shrubs.
Cover beds and gardens with 1 to 4 inches of mulch to conserve moisture,
reduce weed growth, and maintain uniform temperature.
Clean out flower beds and plant seasonal flowers to enhance the
beauty of your yard.
Repaint or re-stain lawn furniture.
Repair and repaint fences, decks and screen doors.
Discard old or broken lawn furniture, flower pots, and hanging baskets.
Sweep walks, patios, decks, steps and porches.
Restore or repair damaged furniture or upholstery.
Repair or refinish damaged doors, moldings and paneling.
Restore or update the wood color or painted finish of your kitchen or
bath cabinets.
Polish or buff wood furniture to eliminate surface scratches and
enhance the look of the room.
Sell or store furniture which isn't often used so the house looks open
and spacious.
Make minor repairs to wall and ceiling cracks, torn screens, damaged
grout, missing caulking, etc. Buyers tend to think household repairs cost more than they
actually do.
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