Preparing Your House for Sale - Outdoors

• If you wish to sell your home quickly and for the best price, make sure it’s in top condition.  Hire a professional for any of these jobs if you’re not sure how to do it on your own.
• Inspect siding.  Repaint if necessary.  Repair any loose or cracked cement or bricks.  Replace wood rot.  Clean vinyl siding.
• Check windows.  Repair or replace any cracked panes or damaged screens.  Make sure all inserts move freely, and clean out old, dried putty before re-glazing. 
• Check entrances.  Repair wood rot, damaged steps, and loose or missing railing.  Fill grout seams if concrete is cracked.  Seal openings to avoid pest problems.
• Check decks and balconies.  Replace rotten boards, secure loose ones, and make sure railings are childproof.  Re-paint or finish if necessary.
• Check steps.  Look for rotted areas, loose treads, and unsafe railings.  Repair masonry if necessary.
• Secure lighting/electrical.  All exterior fixtures should be secured to a post or the house.  Likewise, exterior outlets should be securely installed and grounded. 
• Examine exterior doors.  Check for rotted areas in wood, rusted areas in metal.  Make sure weather stripping is in good condition.  Tighten hinges and replace knobs, if necessary.  Make sure locks work easily.
• Check exterior plumbing, wiring, and pest problems.  Make sure outside faucets work and don’t drip.  Make sure power line entry wire is in good condition.  Eliminate any bees’ nests or termite infestations. 
• Trim trees and shrubs.  Leave at least two feet clear from the house, keeping moisture and insects away.  Overhanging limbs and vines should also be removed, as necessary.
• Inspect driveway.  Seal cracks, smooth surface.  If driveway parking is tight, be sure to park elsewhere to show off space.
• Inspect fencing.  Make sure it’s in good condition.  If necessary, repair wood or masonry.
• Check grading.  If there are low areas adjacent to the foundation, backfilling them may direct rainwater away from the house.  If basement windows are below grade, wells will help them remain clear of dirt. 
• Check walkways.  If they’re cracked, uneven, or deteriorated, repair them. 
• Keep it clean.  Before a presentation always make sure the yard is neat and the landscaping well trimmed.
• Inspect roof.  For safety, use binoculars.  Make sure shingles are in good shape.  Repair or replace if necessary.  On flat roofs, look for blistering, puddling, and tears. 
• Repair chimneys.  Look for cracks, deterioration, or any signs of leakage from both outside and inside the attic. 
• Check gutters.  Remove debris, repair leaks, and make sure water drains away from the foundation. 
• Inspect skylights.  Make sure they’re clean, in good repair, and don’t leak.  Repaint if necessary.
• Inspect ventilation pipes.  Make sure they’re properly sealed and no voids exist.  Repair if necessary.
• Inspect garage walls.  If they’re attached to the home, look for any voids that may be a fire hazard.  The floor should also drop down at least four inches to avoid gas or oil spillage from spreading in to the home.
• Check automatic garage door opener.  Make sure it has a pressure sensor to avoid a safety hazard.  Manual doors should close smoothly without much effort.
• Check doors.  Make sure the finish hasn’t deteriorated.  If necessary, repair or replace. 
• Check wiring and plumbing.  Make sure it’s safely located, and that heating will prevent any plumbing from freezing during winter.