Sell A Home

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR SALE

Curb Appeal-    Remember the old saying “ you can’t judge a book by the cover”   -  You will only have one chance to make a great impression the first time a buyer sees your home- 

Also:

• Check for cracked or peeling paint on front door--repaint or replace if  necessary.
• Polish door handles.
• Check for cracked or peeling paint on exterior siding.
• Power wash aluminum/vinyl siding.
• Repair cracks in driveway and seal.
• Clean gutters and repair gutters and leaders if loose or broken.
• Repair ripped screens on doors and windows.
• Repair loose railings--paint or wash if needed.
• Repair or replace lighting fixtures if broken--replace bulbs if needed.
• Clean windows.
• Keep walkways unobstructed.

INTERIOR

KITCHEN

• The word is “sparkling clean”.
• All appliances should be kept clean even if all aren’t included in the sale.
• All countertops and work surfaces should be spotless and free of clutter.
• Kitchen sink should be clear of dirty dishes.
• Cabinets should be clean inside and out and not overcrowded.
• Polish or clean hardware on cabinets
• Flooring-Clean all surfaces- if old and worn-out, consider replacing--particularly if carpeted.
• Take out trash/recyclables

BATHROOMS

• Buyers also love clean, sparkling bathrooms!
• Clean shower stall/tub thoroughly--recaulk if needed and replace shower curtain liner.
• Wash shower curtain.
• If necessary- caulk around tub, floor
• Display clean fresh towels.

• Empty wastebaskets.
• Wash area rugs.
• Polish mirror and all faucets and taps.
• Keep floors clean.
• Clean out the vanity--get rid of products you no longer need or use to give the illusion of more space.
• Keep countertops free of personal care items.
• Organize linen closets.

CARPETS

• Keep vacuumed.
• If stained, have professionally cleaned.
• If very worn out, have replaced.
• If hardwood flooring is underneath, consider having refinished if in bad condition. The trend is polished hardwood flooring.

CLOSETS

• Buyers need to see that their things will fit into your closets.  A bulging closet gives an impression of inadequate storage space!
• Store or pack clothes for the next season. You won’t be wearing them now and you can get a head start on packing.
• Consider space saving shelves if not already installed--can actually double closet space.
• Pick up/organize shoes from the closet floor.
• Neatly fold/hang clothes.

PLUMBING

• Repair or replace leaky or dripping faucets and toilets.
• If faucets are corroded, consider replacement.

LIGHTS

• Replace burned-out bulbs in lamps and light fixtures.
• Repair or replace dirty or broken switchplates.

HEATING & COOLING

• Replace filters and vacuum ducts.
• Clean exterior of units.

ODORS

• You can have a sparkling clean home inside and out; however, if buyers detect an unpleasant odor due to pets, cigarette smoke, or unusual cooking smells, it is a big deterrent and can prevent a sale!
• Keep litter boxes clean and out of sight.
• Burn candles or simmer potpourri with very light scent.
• Clean carpets, draperies, and upholstered furniture.

SHOWINGS

• Turn on all lights! Now is not the time to be energy efficient! Let the light in - open up curtains, blinds, shades unless view is objectionable
• Tidy up - pick up toys from floor, remove objects from all stairways and hallway floors, have beds made, towels off bathroom floor, dishes out of sink, etc.
• Play soft classical music.
• Build fire in fireplace if home for showing--weather permitting!
• Turn off or turn down volume on TVs
• If possible, try to not be home. Buyers feel more at ease when owners are not present. The more time a buyer spends in a home for a showing, the better.
• If home, be unobtrusive. Do not offer information, refer all questions to your listing Realtor.

Forms for the Seller:

Lead base paint phamplet:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/disclosurerule/index.cfm  

Lead base paint disclosure:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/outreach/leapame.pdf

Property disclosure:
http://www.dced.state.ak.us/occ/pub/rec4229.pdf

Representation:
http://www.commerce.state.ak.us/occ/pub/rec4145.pdf

For Sale by Owner (Unrepresented Sellers)? | Forms for Sellers | Working With a Realtor in Alaska

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Ruth Blackwell, Associate Broker
9040 Glacier Highway, Juneau, Alaska 99801
Office 907-789-3888; Fax 907-789-7038; Cell 907-321-0615
E-mail: ruth@aukelake.com
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