Based upon the classic sales principle,
If you give buyers what they want, they will pay you what you ask.

The guide is chockfull of secrets and tips that I’ve learned over the years from listening to buyers as they shop for homes. It’s my “sure-fire checklist” and it’s loaded with simple and inexpensive things you can do to enhance your home’s appeal.

By following this simple 129 point checklist, you can transform your home into a hot property that will practically sell itself.

Link to a printable PDF version of
129 Quick Tips To Make Your Home Irresistible To Buyers

OUTSIDE:
You don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression. According to industry studies, a home seller has less than two minutes to capture the buyer’s attention and the countdown begins from the moment a buyer drives up to the house. Within the first 15 seconds a buyer forms impressions of the house that will influence everything else he or she sees once inside. So “setting the stage” begins right at the curb, outside the home.

1. Rake, fertilize & re-seed the lawn areas
2. Edge the flower/shrub beds & mulch them with shredded bark
3. Prune the dead limbs from trees.
4. Prune overgrown shrubs away from house and walkways.
5. Install a new mailbox.
6. New house numbers - Large & easy to read
7. New front door mat
8. Front steps, handrails and outdoor entry landing should be in “better than good” condition
9. Paint the front door (a brass kick plate is a real eye catcher)
10. New upscale hardware on front door (or at least polish or paint the existing knobs, locks, door knockers, etc. to look like new)
11. A new storm door will create instant curb appeal.
12. Make sure the doorbell works.
13. Clean the gutters & downspouts
14. Replace any damaged/weathered siding & power wash the exterior
15. Power wash, reseal and/or resurface the driveway.
16. Don’t leave cars parked in driveway or in front of house.
17. All sidewalks & walkways must be in good repair,
18. Discard all rubbish.
19. Tidy up children’s play areas: swing sets, sandboxes, put bicycles, riding toys, & athletic equipment away
20, Pick up pet droppings every day
21. Clean and/or repaint outdoor furniture
22. If there’s a hydrant in front of house, consider repainting it
23. Repair all fencing & make sure gates & latches work properly (anything beyond repair, should be removed altogether)
24. Front doors & locks should be in perfect working condition
25. Powerwash & restain all outdoor decks.
26. Replace any weathered or sun damaged boards
27. Store garbage cans neatly (with the lids on) in their designated area
28. Repair or remove old rusty swing sets, basketball goals, old barbeque grills & lawn furniture.

INSIDE:
GENERAL: Unclutter, organize, lighten, brighten & neutralize
29. De-personalize the house as much as possible (minimize the presence of family photos, plaques & awards, hunting trophies, political or religious items)
30. HOUSE-A-TOSIS: Minimize odors from pets, smoking, mildew, perfumes, deodorizers, fireplaces, diapers, laundry, food & garbage.
31. Replace or clean the air filters in all air handling equipment (furnace, air conditioners, humidifiers, etc.)
32. Paint the interior (any color is OK as long as it’s WHITE)
33. Refinish wood floors
34. Shampoo carpets
35. Replace paint encrusted electrical plates, outlets & switches
36. All electrical outlets should be able to accommodate a 3 prong plug
37. The wall switches at the entrance to each room should control a light
38. Replace all burned-out light bulbs
39. Make sure all light fixtures have bright bulbs (up to 60 watts)
40. Clean all light fixtures, their globes & diffusers (chandeliers should sparkle & enclosed fixtures should be free of dust & dead bugs)
41. Consider replacing “out-dated” light fixtures with modern ones
42. Clean the blades on all ceiling fans
43. Minimize the presence of pets - especially exotic pets. (keep pet food dishes, litter boxes & toys out of sight)
44. Wash all the windows until they sparkle
45. Launder or dry clean all curtains & draperies
46. Clean blinds, shades & other window treatments
47. Make sure all drapery or vertical blind mechanisms work
48, Make sure all doors, door knobs, locks, door hinges - fit, latch, lock & swing effortlessly
49. Sliding doors should glide easily - replacement parts are inexpensive
50. Screen panels for sliding glass doors should be clean and slide easily. Old, pitted metal screen fabric should be replaced. Not having a panel would be better than having a dirty, pitted screen door that doesn’t operate correctly
51. Make sure all windows - open, close & lock easily
52. Repair or replace broken window panes or screens
53. Glass picture frames should be clean and hang straight

LIVING ROOM:
54. Clean the fireplace & chimney/flue
55. Polish the fireplace tools
56. Reduce the amount of furniture, bric-a-brac, figurines, etc.
57. Remove all magazines & papers from end tables & coffee tables

KITCHEN:
58. Degrease the oven
59. Wash & deodorize the garbage pail
60. Deodorize the garbage disposal - (run 1/2 a lemon through it)
61. Clean the inside of the refrigerator
62. Remove all refrigerator magnets & items posted on the refrigerator
63. Clean the inside of the dishwasher
64. Put new “burner liners” under range burners
65. Buy new dish towels
66. Clear the countertops to create a perception of spaciousness
67. Make sure there is a functioning ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet
68. Metal appliances should sparkle - clean & polish them
69. Buy new countertop appliances & accessories (They look good & you’ll get to keep them when you move)
70. Consider replacing “outdated” appliances (Harvest gold, & avocado appliances are obviously 50 years old)

DINING ROOM:
71. Glass panels, shelves & contents of breakfront should sparkle
72. Put a centerpiece on the dining room table
73. Set the dining room table with a tablecloth, placemats & napkins

BEDROOMS:
74. Buy new bedspreads (you’ll be taking these with you)
75. Make the beds everyday
76. Remove all clutter from top of bureaus & night tables

BATHROOMS:
77. Repair any dripping faucets & running toilets
78. Remove rust & drip stains from sinks, tubs & toilets
79. Clean ceramic tile & grout
80. All drains must drain freely
81. Re-caulk tub & shower
82. Keep counters and vanities clear of all toiletries
83. Keep all medicines out of sight
84. Repair or replace defective or noisy exhaust fans (a separate switch for the light and the exhaust fan is best)
85. Make sure there is a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
86. Buy new towels and bath mats
87. Buy a new shower curtain
88. Buy new toilet seats
89. Buy a “modern” light fixture
90. Consider replacing faucets and shower heads

STAIRCASES:
91. Stairways should be well lit
92. Stairways should be clear of debris & clutter
93. All treads should be firmly attached and not squeak
94. Carpeting or runners should be firmly attached
95. Handrails should be tight & secure

LAUNDRY:
96. Neat, clean, well lit & free of lint
97. Polish the washer & dryer until they sparkle
98. Clothes dryer must be properly vented

BASEMENT & MECHANICAL AREAS:
Remember: A functional, “problem free” basement adds value to a home and a dry basement is a potential “gold mine” of additional living space.

99. Must be “bone dry” & odor free - correct all water problems
100. Use charcoal or baking soda to keep it smelling fresh
101. Clean the basement of dust, cob webs & creepy crawlies
102. Paint the walls and install an adequate number of light fixtures
103. Light fixtures should be controlled by a switch near the door (not a pull string)
104. Encapsulate or remove all asbestos
105. Heating appliances must be clean, soot free, rust free & in good working order
106. Clean & polish the furnace/boiler & water heater
107. All valves must be clearly labeled as to what they control
108. Electrical panel boxes - all circuit breakers should be clearly labeled

Attics:
109. If there’s a retractable stairway, make sure it operates correctly
110. Make sure the light switch in the attic is working and easy to find (A wall switch would be better than a pull cord)
111. Attic should have flooring and not open framing

CLOSETS & STORAGE AREAS: (Storage areas add value to home)
112. Empty the closets as much as possible (If you can’t see the back of a closet, it’s too full)
113. Use quality, plastic hangers - ALL ONE COLOR, in the closets
114. Organize the appearance of what’s in these areas (Store everything in boxes or on shelves)

GARAGE:
115. Paint and repair overhead garage doors
116. Replace the garage door seal at the bottom of the overhead door
117. Clean the garage - empty would be best
118. Remove oil stains from garage floor
119. Hang tools on the wall or on a pegboard
120. Store as much as possible on shelves & NOT on the floor

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
121. Test for radon. The test cost about $75 & you can do it yourself.
122. Check for potential underground fuel tank issues.
123. Check for the existence of exposed asbestos (attic & basement).
124. Have the home inspected by a licensed pest control contractor.

Environmental issues such as, elevated levels of radon, exposed asbestos, untreated termite activity or evidence of rodents or other pests, can be deal killers.

ADMINISTRATIVE PREPARATIONS
125. Locate all your home’s documents & have them handy (the deed, a survey, certificates of occupancy, etc.)
126. Compile annual utility bills for heat, electricity & water
127. Have service contracts & service records on hand
128. Round up the instruction manuals & warranties for the appliances
129. Consider having a professional “pre-marketing” engineer’s inspection. This will make you aware of any unknown structural issues or hazards in the home. HOWEVER, in New York, all sellers are required to complete a Sellers Property Condition Disclosure Statement so, once you become aware of a particular condition in your home, you will be obligated to disclose it.

So What’s Next?

Now It’s Showtime!

Nine important things to do before every showing appointment

1. Tidy up the outside: Put away the bicycles, children’s toys, lawn chairs, garden hoses, etc. Sweep the walk, park the cars in the garage or down the street, close the garage door. Don’t leave cars parked in the driveway.
2. Tidy up the inside: Make the beds, wash the dishes, take out the garbage, put away the children’s toys and the adult stuff, clear the kitchen and bathroom counter of all clutter.
3. Keep the pets out of the house: 1/3 - 1/2 of all people are: a) irrationally afraid of animals, b) allergic to animals, or c) just don’t like animals. This is a significant number of potential buyers that may not consider your home just because of the presence of a pet.
4. Light up the house: Turn on ALL the lights. Open the drapes & blinds. Make sure all light bulbs and light fixtures are plugged in and working.
5. Freshen up the house: Open the doors and windows for a brief period of time before scheduled showings. Make sure the bathrooms, laundry and basement are aired out and don’t feel or smell damp.
6. Warm or cool the house: Set the thermostat to a comfortable level. Warm up the house in winter and cool it down in the summer. It’s all part of creating the perception of a “comfortable home”. Buyers won’t spend much time in a house where the temperature is uncomfortable.
7. “Quiet” the house: If you are home during the appointment, turn off all noisy appliances. NO television, radio, video games, loud music, dishwashers, clothes washers or dryers, etc.
8. Open the doors: Doors to all rooms should be unlocked and open.
9. Leave the house: If possible, try not to be in the house during showing appointments. Buyers are uncomfortable thoroughly inspecting and critiquing a home while the owner is around. Peeking in cabinets & closets, airing objections, criticizing the house, stating their concerns, asking questions, etc. are all important parts of the decision making process that will be inhibited if the owner is home. An environment that encourages candid, open discussion, while at the property, is important.

Boeckelman’s Law: If prospective buyers don’t look in the closets ... they probably won’t be buying the house. If the owner is home, they probably won’t look in the closets. Therefore, if the owner is home, they probably won’t be buying the house. Need I say more?

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