Inside Real Estate With Kevin: Tips for Preparing Your Home for Sale

This is a sponsored column written by Kevin J. Wood, a licensed Realtor© in the District of Columbia and surrounding area. For more information on buying or selling a property, feel free to contact Kevin at 202-297-9753 or email him.

An attractive, well-maintained home will typically sell faster and for a higher price than a similar home that looks tired or run-down. When you prepare your home for sale, take a critical look at the exterior and interior of your home. Some areas to pay particular attention include:

The Exterior

Obviously, the outside of your home is the first thing buyers see. Make a good first impression. Step back and take an objective look at the exterior of your home. How can you make it more attractive? Review the following suggestions:

• Keep the lawn cut and the shrubs well trimmed.
• Remove dead tree limbs and other yard debris.
• Enliven your landscape with fresh plantings of shrubs or flowers.
• Arrange outdoor items neatly; put away lawn equipment.
• Check siding, trim and doors (especially the front door) for dirt and peeling paint; wash or touch up with paint where needed.
• Inspect the condition of your fence and repair or paint if needed.
• Repair or replace loose or damaged roof shingles or flashing.
• Clean and repair broken windows or screens.
• Clean and neatly arrange the garage or shed.
• Make sure the gas grill is ready for use, especially in season.
• Make sure the entry light and doorbell work.

The Interior

Take a look inside your home. Make every room look as organized, bright, and warm as possible. The following suggestions may help:

• Wash walls, ceiling and trim; if possible, paint with light neutral colors.
• Repair cracks in plaster.
• Tighten loose doorknobs, pulls on drawers and cabinets, towel racks, switch plates and outlet covers.
• Fix sticking doors and windows, squeaking doors and loose stair banisters.
• Repair and clean caulking around tubs and sinks.
• Fix leaky faucets; remove water stains.
• Organize the basement and attic so that they appear as spacious and neat as possible. Discard anything you are not taking with you.
• Organize closets and remove clutter; limit the number of items stored overhead or on the floor.
• Organize the contents of kitchen cabinets and remove clutter from kitchen countertops.
• Shampoo carpets and wax floors.
• If you have not sprayed (or “bombed”) for bugs lately, now is a good time.
• Arrange furniture so that the room appears as spacious as possible.
• Remove items you are planning to take with you, including chandeliers, coordinating drapes, mirrors, etc.