Getting the House Ready to Sell

Windows & Doors

Make sure to check all of your windows to make sure they open and close easily. If they don’t a little WD40 often helps. Make sure there are no cracked or broken window panes. If there are, replace them before you begin showing your home.

Do the same things with the doors including the sliders – make sure they open and close properly, without creaking. If they do, a shot of WD40 on the hinges usually makes the creak go away. Check door knobs to be sure the doorknobs turn easily, and that they are cleaned and polished to look sharp.

Odor Control

If you are a smoker, you might want to minimize smoking indoors while trying to sell your home. Actually, it is best to move smoking outside. You could also purchase an ozone spray that helps to remove odors and creating a masking odor. Or try scented candles, they are cheap and hide odors very effectively.

Apologies to pet owners, I am a pet owner, but pets come with odors. You may have become used to them, but they are immediately noticeable to those with more finely tuned olfactory senses, especially if you have cats who have had accidents. If your cat has urinated on your carpet, the bad news is you are simply have to replace the carpet & pad. No service on the planet is going to remove the smell period.

For those with cats, be sure to empty your kitty litter boxes daily and use plenty of baking soda. For dog owners, keep your dog much as possible, even those adorable lovable little dogs. Sprinkling carpet freshener on the carpet on a periodic basis and especially before a showing is a good idea.

And I hope you all know that you must make sure that your animals are not present at showings ever.