Five Things You Can Do Before Listing Your Home for Sale

1) Curb Appeal and first impressions – This is perhaps the most important thing you can do.  There’s been more than one potential buyer pass a home by because they were turned off from the outside appearance.  Stand back and take a good look at your home.  What could you do to make it look a little nicer?   Be sure to put away any unnecessary items; the kids bikes or toys, garden tools or hoses.  During the summer, keep the pine needles raked and lawn mowed; during the winter, make sure there is a cleared, safe entry to your home and be sure the eaves are free of ice.  Repaint or reseal the fencing.

2) Showing a Clean Home – Arrange to have a thorough cleaning of your home.  Having clean windows, lighting fixtures, the kitchen, carpets, and baseboards will do wonders when the showings of your home begin.  Pack and store as many items as possible, either in the garage or basement or off-site. 

3) Home Inspection – Begin arrangements for an inspection of your home.  You can contact our office for a list of qualified home inspectors if you do not already have a company in mind.  At times, especially here in South Lake Tahoe during the summer, there can be a several week delay in scheduling a home inspection.  A qualified inspector can point out any areas that may be of concern, allowing for repairs to be completed prior to actually listing your home.

4) Repair or Replacement Estimates – Following the home inspection, are there any major items (roof, painting, carpets) that will need to be repaired or replaced in the near future?  If so, be sure to get estimates for these.  It will assist in negotiations for the sale of your property.

5) Warranties and Guarantees – Now is the time for those annoying Appliance Warranties and any work guarantees that have been shuffled from drawer to drawer.  Be sure to gather them together for the potential new owners – always a nice gesture.