Preparing Your Building For Sale

A building that sparkles on the surface will sell faster than its shabby neighbor, even though both are structurally well-maintained.

Enhance the exterior by:

Keep lawn edged, cut and watered regularly
Trim hedges, weed lawns and flowerbeds, and prune trees regularly
Check the foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and crumbling
Inspect doors and windows for peeling paint
Clean and align gutters
Inspect and clean the fireplace
Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles
Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking
Re-seal an asphalt driveway
Keep your garage door closed
Store RVs or old and beaten car elsewhere while the house is on the market
Apply a fresh coat of paint to the front door

Enhance the interior by:

Give every room a thorough cleaning (consider hiring a professional cleaning service every other week while house is on the market)
Remove all clutter
Remove less frequently used (even daily used items) from kitchen counters, closets, and attics, making these areas much more inviting
If necessary repaint dingy, soiled or strongly colored walls with a neutral shade of paint, such as off-white or beige
Check for cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint and tiles
Consider replacing broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings, and other woodwork
Repair dripping faucets and showerheads
Spruce up a kitchen or bath in need of a major remodel by investing in new cabinet knobs, new curtains or a coat of neutral paint