Selling a home can feel like an overwhelming task. Creating an itemized checklist keeps you on track, simplifies the process, and helps you get the biggest return possible.

Another great way to keep stress to a minimum is working with an experienced real estate brokerage like Bee Realty Corp. Our agents can help you prioritize the tasks and changes that typically boost a home’s value and make it more desirable to potential buyers.

Ways to Maximize ROI When Selling Your Volusia County Home

A seller’s to-do list ensures your home is in move-in condition and attracts more attention. Breaking tasks down by home area can make the process much smoother.

Exterior

Curb appeal projects like a fresh coat of paint (including trim), updated exterior lighting, and a new garage door make a great first impression and ensure your home’s exterior listing photos stand out from the competition. Other tasks to check off include:

• Fixing loose trim and damaged fencing
• Clearing gutters and downspouts
• Cleaning and repairing the roof
• Clearing the garage of clutter
• Inspecting the chimney for cracks and other damage
• Clean all windows inside and out and make sure they open and close easily
• Replace cracked windowpanes and those with broken seals

Yard

Walk across the street and look at your house objectively. You might discover it’s time to:

• Mow, trim, fertilize, or reseed the lawn
• Prune any overgrown trees and shrubs
• Weed the flowers beds
• Remove or replace dead plants, trees, and shrubs
• Clean the stained driveway

Decks/Patios

Along with power washing, painting, or staining your decks and patios:

• Remove any grass growing between cracks
• Sweep debris
• Clean and secure all deck rails and replace any missing slats or posts
• Clean or remove unsightly outdoor furniture

Front Entry

A fresh coat of paint on the front door is a great way to say “welcome!” Be sure to also:

• Secure any screen doors and clean the glass on storm doors
• Ensure the doorbell operates properly and there are no squeaks when the door opens and closes
• Clean entryway floors and area rugs
• Check that lighting isn’t overly bright or too dim

General Interior Cleaning

Before staging your home or hosting open houses, you want your home’s interior to shine!

• Clean all floors, carpeting, walls, and trim
• Empty trash from every room
• Replace any burned-out light bulbs
• Declutter and remove personal memorabilia

Kitchen

• Organize pantries and cupboards
• Fix dripping faucets
• Clean the oven and cooktop
• Set the table and include fresh flowers

Living, Family, & Dining Rooms

• Repair ceiling and wall cracks and give rooms that need it a fresh coat of paint
• Repaint worn or chipped woodwork
• Clean or replace blinds and drapes and open them to maximize light
• Steam-clean carpets and polish wood flooring
• Rearrange or remove furniture to showcase a room’s size and space

Bathrooms

• Ensure sinks, showers, tubs, countertops, and grout are clean and stain-free
• Replace missing or cracked tiles or grout and make sure all joints are caulked
• Repair leaky faucets
• Check that fans and other fixtures operate correctly
• Install a new shower curtain and hang fresh towels

Bedrooms

• Repair cracks in walls and ceiling, and apply a fresh coat of paint if necessary
• Clean draperies and blinds and open them to maximize light
• Tidy the closets
• Make up the beds and add some new pillows

Unfinished Basement

• Check for water penetration or dampness and arrange for repairs if needed
• Eliminate musty odors
• Ensure all light fixtures work
• Organize storage areas
• Install or secure an existing handrail

A reality of selling a home is that potential buyers will be much more critical of your home than they are of their own. While it’s on the market, your house needs to stay in “show condition,” similar to what you see in new model homes.

Other tasks you can perform include:

• Using air fresheners or baked treats to make the house smell good
• Planting flowers to brighten the walkway
• Removing sad-looking indoor houseplants
• Discarding coffee and end table clutter
• Removing or replacing worn-out throw pillows
• Storing pet supplies

Let Bee Realty Corp Help You Prepare to Sell Your Home

This list might be long, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can check off each item. As you make your way through, keep in mind that you only get one chance to make a first impression, so it’s never a good idea to list your home before it’s ready!

The real estate agents at Bee Realty Corp are here to guide you on which improvements will put your Volusia County home in the best light and get you the biggest return on your investment. Contact us online or call us at 386-279-7522 to learn more and get additional selling tips.