Getting Your House Ready to Sell (Part 4)
Kitchens and Bathrooms
- People splash water around in the kitchen and bathrooms so check around sinks, tubs and toilets for rotting countertops and floors. Problems could be due to poor caulking or plumbing leaks. Fogged windows, molds and sweating toilet tanks indicate high humidity levels, which you can remedy with exhaust fans.
- In the kitchen, clean all appliances, including your oven. Clean or replace your greasy stove hood filter. Clean your cabinets inside and out, as well as your countertops and backsplashes. Repair dripping faucets.
- Remove anything stored on top of your fridge and remove artwork and magnets.
- Remove any items stored on countertops.
- Remove items stored under the sink.
- In bathrooms, scrub sinks, tubs and toilets taking care to remove any rust stains. Remove mildew from showers and bathtubs. Fix dripping faucets or trickling toilets, and vacuum your fan grill.
- Clean mirrors, light switch plates and cupboard handles.
- Consider installing new 6-litre toilets if you currently have water guzzlers.
- If you have ceramic tile in either your kitchen or bathroom, ensure grouting is intact and clean.
Basement
- The condition of the foundation and main structural members in the basement are critical to the fitness of any house. The purpose of your inspection is to make sure these are sound and durable. Look for cracks, water seepage, efflorescence (white powder-like substance), crumbling mortar or concrete and rotting wood. If any of these problems are present, you need to do further research to learn about causes and possible solutions.
- In general, if your basement is damp or musty, consider a dehumidifier. Like all other areas of your home, your basement should be organized and clutter-free.
- Change the filters in the furnace and have it cleaned–this is the number one item purchasers want done after a home inspection. If you have a pet with a litter box, ensure the litter box is clean.
Garage
- Get rid of the broken tools, old car parts, discarded bicycles, empty paint cans and the hundreds of other useless items that accumulate in garages. Again, you want a clutter-free zone. Use cleaning solutions to remove oil stains from the floor.
Sell House 1 | Sell House 2 | Sell House 3 | Sell House 4
Courtesy of Mena Jannetta, Mortgage Development Manager
Northwest GTA and Surrounding Area, Scotiabank
416-816-4810
mena.jannetta@scotiabank.com
Mississauga Real Estate
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