Have you ever heard the saying "The mechanic's car never runs"?  Most people have and know what I am talking about.  As someone who has sold my own home several times over the years I am all too familiar with that saying.   There is a bit of truth contained in it for most of us.

Now is the time to oil the squeaky door, fix the window, paint the overhang and pressure wash the drive!!  When you are preparing to sell your home it must look good and be in market ready condition.

Here are a few  tips:



Make sure to touch-up the paint.  Make sure that marks, smudges, scratches and scrapes are touched up.  Walls need to be clean and neat.  This would also include filling small nail holes after removing artwork, decorations or pictures.

Clean, Clean, Clean and Clean some more. Give your house a deep down clean.   This is a good time to clear out some clutter.  A clean home makes a good impression.  If you have pets this is especially important.

Don't forget the bathroom.  Remove and replace old caulk.  This will give your bathroom a fresh feel.  No one is impresssed with old moldy caulk!!

Be aware of what needs to be repaired.  Make sure that everything is in working order, both inside and out.  Buyers have the option of getting a home inspection.  The last thing you want is a laundry list of things that need repair.  This is not good for you and puts doubt in the mind of the buyer.  Most homeowners are aware of what needs to be done. 

Work on your curb appeal.  The first thing buyers will see is the outside of your home.  Make sure you make a good impression.  Remove dead bushes and plants, touch up paint and mulch your beds.  Keep your front entry clean and free of clutter and make sure your yard is cut.  If the outside feels neglected then the buyer may form a negative opinion before they ever go in.

If you are using your garage as a storage unit it is time to move it out.  Some of us use our garage as a storage unit leaving our car to face the elements in favor of stuff we haven't looked at in 10 years!  Well, that my work for you but buyers don't care.  Most cannot see past the clutter and will simply move on.  They need to be able to size up the space for their own use.  Rent a storage unit during the time you are on the market.