Preparing your home

Your home has just one chance to make a great impression with each potential buyer. And it can! The following tricks of the trade will help you keep track of what needs to be done. The whole idea is to present a clean, spacious clutter-free home — the kind of place you would like to buy. Accomplish a little every day, and before long, your home will be ready to make the impression that can make the sale.

Your Home’s Curb Appeal

• Mow Lawn

• Trim shrubs

• Edge garden and walkways

• Weed and mulch

• Sweep walkways and driveway, remove branches, litter or toys

• Add color and fill in bare spots with plantings

• Remove mildew or moss from walls or walks with bleach and water or other cleaner

• Clean and repair patio and deck area

• Remove any outdoor furniture not in good repair

• Make sure pool or spa sparkles

• Replace old storm doors

• Check for flat-fitting roof shingles

• Repair broken windows and shutters, replace torn screens, make sure frames and seams have solid caulking

• Hose off exterior wood and trim, replace damaged bricks or wood

• Touch up exterior paint, repair gutters and eaves

• Clean and remove rust from any window air conditioning units

• Paint the front door and mailbox

• Add a new front door mat and consider a seasonal door decoration

• Shine brass hardware on front door, outside lighting fixtures, etc.

• Make sure doorbell is in good working order General Interior Tips

• Add a fresh coat of interior paint in light, neutral colors

• Shampoo carpeting, replace if necessary

• Clean and wax hardwood floors, refinish if necessary

• Wash all windows, vacuum blinds, wash window sills

• Clean the fireplace