by Paisley Place

Created on: May 04, 2007   Last Updated: September 16, 2010

The second most difficult thing one will ever do in their live is house hunt. The most difficult thing is to prepare a home to go on the real estate market. Many variables go into what someone wants in a new home. It is important to have your home at its best if you want to obtain the best price. Here are a few of my own ideas and things I did when I found myself preparing a home.

Before considering putting your home on the market, be sure to take care of any repairs such as a new roof, replaced siding, windows, and any additions to the landscaping. This will bring the greatest appraisal price and give you the best results for getting your asking price. However, this is only part of the process. Below I will take you room by room with ideas that will make the home shine even brighter.

Throughout the House: Clear away the clutter particularly in closets. Remove excess clothing you do not wear. Donate it or put it in storage somewhere other than in your home. Dust every inch of your home including walls, ceilings, fixtures, electronics, and appliances. Professionally clean carpets and upholstery. If possible and affordable, check with local cleaning agencies for specials for those selling their home. Usually you can have someone bring a 4 to 8 person team who can do deep cleaning within a 4 to 6 hour timeframe.

Living room: Remove any magazines, newspapers, or mail. Send children with toys back to their bedrooms. Remove excess furniture if the room appears crowded. Open window curtains and blinds to bring in light. Those with fireplaces need to clean them well. If house goes on the market during the winter, keep a fire going; if on the market during the summer, add a nice candlelabra with scented candles. Aromatherapy works wonders in a home you plan to sell.

Kitchen/Bathrooms: Sweep and hand wash floors. Pay special attention to the areas beneath cabinets and under appliances. Pull all appliances and clean behind them. Use a heavy-duty degreaser to remove all grime and grease from the stove splashguard. Clean oven, refrigerator, and freezer. Leave a fresh snack tray in the refrigerator and fresh muffins with a clean coffeemaker on a clean counter. Apply a coat of Mop & Glow to floors to add shine. Purchase clean matching towels. Add a tablecloth and centerpiece to the table. Use aroma-scents in every room.

Bedrooms: Clear away everything from the dressers and nightstands. If the drawers are out of order, refold everything making it neat. Clients will check when nobody is looking. Place toys and other items into neat bins that fit beneath beds. Always make beds and keep rooms spotless.

Outside: Keep the lawn freshly groomed and clear of any debris. Add gravel to gravel drives if needed. Use concrete cleaner or bleach on concrete drives paying special attention not to kill any grass or flowers. Trim any trees that need special attention.

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