Preparing Your Home

A Small Investment in Time and Money

With buyers, first impressions count. A small investment in time and money will give your home an edge over other listings in the area when the time comes to show it to a prospective buyer.

Here are some suggestions that will help you to get top market value:

General Maintenance

• Repair loose doorknobs, sticking doors & windows and warped drawers.
• Consider having a termite pre-inspection.
• Replace burned out lights; make sure light fixtures are clean.
• Re-grout tile in bathtubs and sinks if needed.
• Clean gutters and eaves.
• Replace filters – Heating/Cooling.
• Keep lawn trimmed & edged. Weed flower beds, trim shrubs, sweep driveway/sidewalk.

Suggested Repairs

• Tighten loose banisters & railings – inside & outside.
• Repair rotted wood & repaint window trim, moldings, nail holes.
• Investigate water stains- repair & repaint.
• Repair cracked windows or torn screens (windows & doors).
• Repair cracked plaster or drywall.
• Repair leaking faucets; eliminate water discoloration in sinks.
• Make sure your doorbell & and front light are functioning.

Cleaning Recommendations

• Walls should be clean and free of smudges and fingerprints.
• Clean appliances (washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove).
• Shampoo carpets; Replace carpeting if needed.
• Clean and freshen bathrooms.
• Clean out closets to display roominess (store extra items),
• Bedrooms should appear neat with nice spreads & curtains.
• Make sure entrance is clean and clear of debris. Replace door mat if needed.
• Polish door hardware.
• Replace discolored or cracked receptacle covers.
• Clean and organize basement, attic and garage.

"Staging Your Home" - Create a Buying Atmosphere

• Put away personal items.
• Add placemats or decorative arrangements on dining room or kitchen tables.
• Add inexpensive floor plants if the room needs a warmer feel.
• Leave when agents are showing your home.
• Turn on all lights.
• Store excess or worn furniture to avoid making rooms crowded.
• Box extra papers, magazines, etc. -- store or toss.
• Open drapes and/or blinds in the day time.
• Play quiet background music.
• Use very low fragrance air neutralizer.
• If you smoke or have pets, make sure the house doesn’t have an odor.

Jennifer Waszazak

REALTOR® , Russell & Jeffcoat Realtors, Inc.

1061 Lake Murray Blvd
Irmo, SC 29063
Office (803) 781-0088
Cell     (803) 553-2424
Fax     (803) 732-4517