Bob Straitiff - Traverse City Homes

Preparing Your Home

With buyers, first impressions count. A small investment in time and money will give your home an edge over other listings in the area when the time comes to show it to a prospective buyer. Here are some suggestions that will help you get top market value:

General Maintenance

Oil squeaky doors

Tighten doorknobs

Replace burned out lights

Clean and repair windows

Touch up chipped paint

Repair cracked plaster

Repair leaking taps and toilets

Curb Appeal

Cut lawns

Trim shrubs and lawns

Weed and edge gardens

Pick up any litter

Clear walk and driveway of leaves

Repair gutters and eaves

Touch up exterior paint

Spic and Span

Shampoo carpets

Clean washer, dryer, and tubs

Clean furnace

Clean fridge and stove

Clean and freshen bathrooms

Wash blinds and baseboards

Atmosphere

Be absent during showings

Turn on all lights

Light fireplace (in the winter)

Open drapes in the daytime

Play quiet background music

Keep pets outdoors

First Impressions

Clean and tidy entrance

Functional doorbell

Polish door hardware

The Spacious Look

Clear stairs and halls

Store excess furniture

Clear counters and stove

Make closets neat and tidy