Orange County NY Real Estate: Selling Tips

Below are questions to ask yourself when preparing your home for sale to ensure it looks the best it possibly can in the buyer's eyes.

Exterior
Does your yard look well maintained?
Are the trees and bushes trimmed?
Is your lawn mowed and edged?
Is your lawn free of weeds?
Are the decks and patios clean?
Does your house need painting?
Are there any exterior holes or cracks?
Are your walks and porches clean and in good repair?
Does your roof leak or sag?
Are any shingles or tiles missing?
Is your chimney in good shape?

Carpeting/Walls/Ceilings
Are your carpets clean and in good condition?
Do your carpets need stretching?
Are there any pet or smoking odors?
Do your walls have any cracks or holes?
Do your walls need painting?
What about that wallpaper?
Do your ceilings have any water stains, cracks or peeling?
Do your ceilings need painting?

Kitchen
Are your appliances clean and in good working order?
Are your cabinets in good condition?
Are your countertops in good condition?
Is your tile grout clean?
Is your sink stained, chipped, or in need or re-calking?

Bathroom
Do your faucets shut off completely?
Do your sinks drain freely?
Are your toilets in good condition?
Are your shower doors shiny?
Do your tubs need caulking?
Is your floor in good condition?
Are your vanities and mirrors in good condition?

Living Room
Is your fireplace clean?
Is the fireplace screen in good shape?
Are all drapes, shutters and shades clean and working properly?
Are any window screens bent?
Do all the windows open and close easily?
Are the windowsills clean?
Are your doors in good condition?
Do any doors sag or stick?
Do the locks work?
Is the paint in good condition?
Do the doors seal tightly?

Basement/Attic
Is your basement/attic organized?
Are they well lit?
Are they clean?
Are the stairs in good repair?
Do the doors open and close easily?
Are there any signs of insects or rodents?

Garage
Is your garage organized?
Is it well lit?
Is the floor swept?
Are there oil spots or other stains on the concrete?

For assistance in making the repairs/enhancements above, feel free to contact your local Real Estate United Concierge®. The Real Estate United Concierge® program was developed to put you in touch with local service providers to help you obtain the variety of services associated with buying or selling a home. Just click on "Concierge Home Services" in the bottom left hand corner below to find a participating office near you.

Outside
Mow and water the lawn.
Trim trees and plant flowers.
Store all bikes, toys and equipment out of sight.
Paint or touch-up the outside of the house.
Put potted flowers in the front.

Inside
Get rid of unnecessary furniture.
Clean closets and clear off countertops.
Scrub all tile floors.
Clean all carpets.
Clean all windows and mirrors.
Clean stains in all sinks and tubs.

Fix-It
Fix leaky faucets.
Replace missing door or cabinet handles.
Fix or replace broken appliances.
Replace broken tiles in bathroom or kitchen.
Paint if necessary.
Discuss major repairs with your Sales Associate.

Freshen Up
Stop smoking in the house.
Bathe pets and clean out litter boxes.
Empty all trash, recycle bins, etc.
Dry-clean drapes and shampoo carpets.
Use baking soda boxes in smell-prone areas.
Place flowers, potpourri or air fresheners around the house.

Ask a "buyer"

Invite a friend to walk through your home like a buyer would. Get their opinion on whether or not it's inviting, clean and well-maintained. Make any changes they suggest.

Real Estate United Inc. 1197 Dolsontown Rd. Middletown, NY 10940 | NYS Licensed Real Estate Broker