Prep your home before listing from A-Z

1. Plan Ahead

• Walk through each room and criticize the home from a buyer's perspective.

• Ask your real estate agent for their advice.

• Hire a contractor to handle any major projects.

• Hold a yard sale. Sell, donate or trash anything you don't need.

2. Clean and Declutter

• Thoroughly clean the entire home.

• Scrub tile in the kitchen and bathrooms.

• Clean hardwood floors.

• Steam clean carpets and drapes. Consider replacing carpet if stains are prominent.

• Get rid of all dust bunnies.

• Repair cracks and holes in the walls.

• Paint interior walls with neutral colors, like beige, cream or light pastels. Pale blues and greens are good for bathrooms.

• Remove excess and oversized furniture.

• Rearrange furniture to maximize space.

• Organize room closets and store out-of-season clothes.

• Remove all small appliances, toys, magazines and pet items.

• Remove family photos, personal collections and medications.

• Remove items from the garage and store them off site.

• Secure valuable items, including cash and jewelry.

3. Maximize Curb Appeal

• Paint the home's exterior, including trim, doors and shutters.

• Check front door, doorbell, address number and welcome mat.

• Power wash the siding and windows.

• Inspect the roof and make repairs as needed.

• Repair cracks in the driveway and sidewalks.

• Sweep the entryway and walkways.

• Mow, water and fertilize the lawn.

• Trim shrubs and trees and rake the leaves.

• Plant colorful flowers and shrubs.

• Store any toys or equipment lying on the yard.

• Clean up pet droppings.

• Clean the gutters and downspouts.

4. Pay Attention to Kitchens and Bathrooms

• Mop and wax/polish the floors.

• Clear the countertops.

• Replace outdated hardware.

• Clean appliances and fixtures.

• Clean and organize the pantry, cabinets and drawers.

• Replace old caulking around sinks and bathtubs.

• Remove stains from sinks, toilets and bathtubs.

• Keep all toilet seat lids closed.

• Hang fresh towels.

5. Appeal to the Senses

• Bake cookies or burn scented candles.

• Offer light refreshments.

• Install higher wattage incandescent light bulbs to brighten rooms.

• Turn on all the lights.

• Open windows to let in fresh air.

• Open curtains or blinds to let in natural light and show off views.

• Turn off TVs.

• Relocate pets on the day of the open house.

• Refrain from smoking in the home.

6. Show Off Your Home's Best Features

• Remove rugs to show off hardwood floors.

• Pull back drapes to showcase nice views.

• Stage the front porch or deck with furniture and potted plants.

• Make sure fireplaces are in working condition.

• Clean the backyard and pool area.

7. Prepare for the Open House

• Hold an exclusive brokers' open house to let local agents know your home is on the market. Offer food and refreshments.

• Inform family, friends and neighbors of the date and time of your open house.

• Put ads in local newspapers, real estate publications and on free Web sites like Craigslist.com.

• Put up “Open House” signs on the front lawn and at nearby intersections with directions to the house.

• Create property description sheets and prepare important documents, such as homeowner's association rules, inspection reports and purchase offer forms.

I have 8 years working with Real Estate Agents and I see a huge difference between properties that are prepared and those that aren't. These small changes will make a difference in the type of offers you receive.

I am proud to say I serve as a Real Estate Photographer in Wharton, County and the surrounding area to make sure my clients have the best listings on the market.

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