48 Ways to Speed a House Sale

Get your home sold faster with these 48 helpful tips.

EVALUATE

1. Have a RealtorĀ®, interior decorator or professional organizer walk through your home to evaluate what needs to be updated, repaired or removed.

REPAIR

2. Patch damaged walls

3. Replace cracked oor tiles

4. Oil squeaky doors

5. Fix sticky windows

6. Fix leaky faucets and toilets

7. Re-caulk tubs and sinks

8. Replace broken windows and screens

UPDATE

9. Replace cabinet knobs and pulls

10. Update lighting xtures, if needed

11. Update blinds, if needed

12. Replace faucets and shower heads, if needed

PAINT

13. Paint the interior in neutral colors

14. Paint exterior doors and window trim

15. Paint shutters

16. Repaint exterior, if needed

BRIGHTEN

17. Take down heavy window treatments that block light

18. Wash all windows

19. Increase the wattage of light bulbs

20. Replace dark lamp shades

DEPERSONALIZE

21. Remove family photos

22. Store knickknacks

DE-CLUTTER

23. Thin out the books on your shelves

24. Empty kitchen counters

25. Place out-of-season clothing in storage

26. Rent a storage unit to store unneeded items

ORGANIZE

27. Organize pantry

28. Organize closets

29. Organize basement

30. Organize garage and shed

CLEAN

31. Clean all interior surfaces

32. Wash windows and doors

33. Air out and clean in cabinets and under sinks

34. Power wash exterior of house and sidewalks

35. Clean outdoor furniture

36. Clean porch lights of cobwebs and debris

HIDE SIGNS OF PETS

37. Remove pet smells

38. Hide pet food and bowls

39. Take pets for a walk during showings or send them to day care during open houses

STAGE INSIDE

40. Reduce the amount of furniture in each room

41. Organize furniture to create seating areas and give each part of the home a purpose

42. Place cut flowers around home during showings

PRUNE AND LANDSCAPE

43. Remove dead plants

44. Prune or replace overgrown shrubs.

45. Fill open spots with seasonal owers

46. Add fresh mulch to beds

STAGE OUTSIDE

47. Make sure front porch/ entryway is clean and inviting

48. Use outdoor furniture to create inviting spaces