Your home is probably your largest investment. Whether you intend to sell or refinance it, you want to do everything you can to make it as attractive as possible. Sounds simple, but the house that looks its best will sell quicker and for the best price.
Here’s a checklist for preparing your home for sale.
- Paint inside and out. This may be the improvement that gives you the most bang for your buck. And don’t forget the garage, shed and fences!
- Mow the lawn and clear debris.
- Seal and clean gutters.
- Tidy the front entrance: Polish door fixtures. Replace that rusty mail box. Put out a new doormat.
- Clean windows, storms and screens.
- Tend to "little things" - oil squeaking doors, tighten loose cabinet knobs, take out removable stains, replace damaged floor tiles. Clean soiled carpeting.
- Make sure windows, doors and drawers open and close easily.
- The kitchen is the one place in the home that buyers look at closely. Tighten leaky faucets, repair faulty wall switches, outlets, light fixtures and any appliances that will "go with the home."
- The bathroom gets close scrutiny too. Keep it spotless. Tiles must be scrubbed and grouted, faucets polished, toiletries and medicines put in their chest. Laundry items placed in a closed hamper.
- Get rid of clutter ALL OVER! Uncluttered rooms and closets look and feel bigger.
- Clear out accumulated items from cabinets, under counters and from the basement and garage. Have a garage sale and get rid of the stuff that doesn’t sell.
If you need cash to finance other work that needs to be done, consider a home equity loan. The rates are low. Since you're going to be selling your home in the near future, you might be able to take advantage of even lower rates with an adjustable rate mortgages without many of the risks that otherwise apply.
Let us know if you have any comments or other ideas.
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