HOMEOWNER'S CHECKLIST
So you're planning to sell your Bozeman real estate. You and your real estate  broker have decided on a price, based on current market values, but your home will sell faster, and bring a higher price, if it shows well.
Potential buyers will get the best impression if your home is clean, neat, uncluttered, in good repair, light, airy, fragrant and quiet.
This checklist will help you get your home ready to show.
Here are a few general guidelines:
Cleanliness signals to a buyer that the home has been well cared for and is most likely in good repair. A messy or dirty home will cause prospective buyers to notice every flaw.
- Unclutter your home before you show it.
Have a garage sale. Empty closets. Throw away what you cant sell. The less "stuff" in and around a home, the roomier it will seem.
Raise the shades. Open the blinds. Pull back the curtains. Put brighter bulbs in all the lamps (but not bright enough to cause a glare). Bright, open rooms feel larger and more inviting. Dark rooms feel small and gloomy. For more information visit my Montezuma county real estate partner.
Get rid of odors that may be unfamiliar or unpleasant. People are most often offended by odors from tobacco, pets, cooking and musty or sour laundry. Fresh flowers and potpourri can be used to your advantage. Other smells that attract positive attention include fresh baked bread and cinnamon.
- Fix anything that is broken.
This included plumbing, electrical systems/switches, windows, TV antennas, screens, doors and fences. If it cant be fixed, replace it or get rid of it. (No window screens are better than broken ones.) A buyer will make a much lower offer if your house is in disrepair and will probably still insist that everything be fixed before taking occupancy. You're better off if you leave potential buyers no reason to offer less than you are asking. (My Northern Idaho real estate affiliate has an excellent article about home inspections.)
- Send pets away or secure them away from the house when prospective buyers are coming.
You never know of people will be annoyed or intimidated by your pets or even allergic to them. And you never want a prospective buyer to have to avoid animal droppings.
- Send the kids to grandmas or take them on a walk around the block.
Children can be noisy and distracting to someone interested in looking at a home.
Paint. There's nothing that improves the value of a home for a lower cost than a fresh coat of paint. And its often easier to paint a room than it is to scrub it. Stick with neutral colors off-white is safest. Be sure to avoid black, violet and pink.
Keep noise down. Silence is a restful sound that offends no one. Turn off the TV and radio. Soft, instrumental music is fine, but avoid vocals. If necessary, close the windows to eliminate any street noise. My Durango real estate partner has more tips for sellers here.
Don't run any noisy equipment like a vacuum cleaner or table saw while buyers are looking at your home, and, if possible, ask your neighbors to avoid irksome noises.
 EXTERIOR
Replace, repair and/or paint any damaged plaster wood siding trim rain gutters shutters doors window frames glazing screens hardware fences/gates outdoor lighting
Clean/Wash - sliding windows screens outdoor BBQ A/C unit pool/spa
Put 100-watt bulbs in porch lights, carport, garage
Clean around service areas/trash cans Haul away rubbish Straighten woodpile Repair leaky faucets Clean up pet droppings Paint or varnish doors Polish door hardware Make sure doorbell/knocker works Paint or replace street numbers on house Make sure septic tank is odor-free Clean oil stains from driveway/street Patch/reseal driveway if necessary. Visit Durango Colorado real estate contact John Gillam for excellent selling advice.
LANDSCAPING
Mow/edge lawn regularly
Aerate/feed lawn
Overseed bare spots in lawn
Water lawn regularly
Remove/replace dead plants
Prune overgrown/diseased or damaged shrubs
Prune remove shrubs/trees blocking views
Stake up any sagging trees/shrubs
Keep flower beds free of weeds
Trim around base of trees/walls/fences
Remove or repair any broken/damaged landscape accessories such as fences, walls, gazebos, fountains, trellises, planters
Replace any broken stepping stones Adjust any sprinkler system; repair leaking heads Install fencing or shrubs to hide any unsightly views
My Ruidoso real estate partner has excellent landscape articles here.
ALL ROOMS
Clean around doors, windows, light switches, baseboards, chair rails
Wash lace curtains and have draperies cleaned if necessary
Remove or pull back dark curtains
Lubricate window slides
Make sure doors open smoothly
Clean ceiling fan fixtures
Check for cobwebs in all corners
Fix any scratches in wooden floors
Replace worn/broken flooring
Remove or replace worn carpet
Use area rugs where needed
Empty wastebaskets
Make the beds
Fluff the pillows
KITCHEN
Keep the dishes and food out of sight
Clean appliances
Clean range hood, including light bulbs
Clean behind appliances
Keep floor clean
Clean light fixtures
Make sure all electrical outlets work
Eliminate cooking odors
Deodorize garbage disposal, dishwasher & refrigerator
Repair faucets
Put fresh shelf paper in cabinets
Organize cupboards
Clean out under sink
Replace garbage disposal gasket to reduce noise
BATHROOMS
Keep them spotlessly clean!!
Shine mirrors
Keep wastebasket empty and clean
Clean out cabinets and remove non-essentials
Keep fresh, clean towels on towel racks
Clean shower door - if sliding door keep track lubricated
Remove soap residue, mildew and mold from sink/tub/shower
Remove lime deposits from fixtures
Replace torn/moldy shower curtains
Clean tile grout
Make sure toilet flushes properly
Clean exhaust fan/heater - replace if broken
 CLOSETS
Keep closets clean and free of clutter
Throw away non-essentials
Adjust/repair any sliding doors
Lubricate sliding door hardware
Paint if needed
LAUNDRY AREA
Clean out area behind washer and dryer
Eliminate any mildew odors
GARAGE/CARPORT/SHED
Install 100-watt light bulbs
Keep area clean/uncluttered
Hang up/put away tools
Clear away any cobwebs
Remove oil/paint stains from floor
Adjust tension rod to eliminate sag from overhead garage door
Lubricate/adjust/repair garage door opener
Paint if needed
HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING UNIT
Vacuum Replace filter
Clean intake vent
Remove any stored items
If at least 75% of the items above have been checked off, and your home is realistically priced, expect to make a sale.
Some final hints:
Make sure the temperature in your home is comfortable - keep in cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. If it's cold outside, and you have a fireplace, a nice fire will make your home seem cozy and inviting.
Provide an exhaustive written list of the features of your home.
Know the distances to schools and shopping centers - include it on the feature sheet where appropriate. Crimson Sky Realty in the Yuma real estate area can help with relocating to this area and selling tips.
Refer any prospect who calls or comes by to your broker for pre-screening and pre-qualification as well as for your own safety.
Provide a home warranty and promote it.
Tell your real estate agent all about the home - good and bad. Let the professional decide how to handle any negatives and feature or highlight the positives.
~ Contact Nancy Oakes today for specific selling tips on your home ~
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