Jennifer's Advice to Sellers for "Buy Appeal"

Here is a comprehensive list of questions designed to help you analyze your home's buyer appeal.  for each question, which would elicit an unqualified positive response, score 10 points.  If neither a positive nor negative, score 5 points.  If a definite negative, score no points.

If your home scores 325 points or better, it should sell quickly, all else being equal and assuming you have not priced your home above "fair market value".  If your home scores between 250 and 325, it will be considered "above average" by most buyers.  A score below 250 may indicate it will be on the market for an extended period.

Look objectively at your home, as a buyer would do, then write down your scores.  Have other family members do the same and then compare your scores.  You may be surprised to find areas, which could use improvement.

(Please feel free to print and use this page.)

SCORE

 QUESTION
 

1.  Is the yard being mowed at least once each week?
 

2.  Are the sidewalks edged weekly?
  3.   Are the hedges neatly trimmed?
  4.   Are all window screens in place?
  5.   Are there blooming flowers visible (in season)?
  6.   Is the swimming pool sparkling clean ( in season)?
  7. Has swimming pool been covered (out of season)?
  8.   Have all junk and unsightly cars been removed?
  9. Has the yard been cleared of all trash and animal droppings?
  10. Is the front door bright, clean, and inviting?
  11. Has all carpeting been cleaned to look like new?
  12. Are all switch/wall plug plates in place?
  13. Have all broken windowpanes been replaced?
  14. Have all showers and tubs been freshly caulked?
  15. Have all leaky faucets been repaired?
  16. Is your home's exterior freshly painted?
  17. Have interior walls been recently painted?
  18. Have all holes and cracks in interior walls been spackled and painted?
  19. Do interior cabinetry, doors and trims gleam like new?
  20. Are all windows freshly washed and sparkling clean?
  21. Have baths and showers been scoured to remove all dirt and mildew?
  22. Have all unneeded articles and bric-a-brac been packed away, out of site?
  23.Have all closets been cleaned and organized?
  24. Are all beds made daily?
  25. Have the attic, basement, and garage been cleaned and organized?
  26. Have ashes been removed from the fireplace (out of season)?
  27. Are all dirty dishes washed daily before leaving the house?
  28. Is your home free of pet odor?
  29. Do all appliances, plumbing fixtures, heating and air conditioning systems function properly?
  30. Have all settling and foundation problems been corrected?
  31. Is the doorbell in place and functioning properly?
  32. Are locking doors easily opened with keys?
  33. Have all burned out light bulbs been replaced?
  34. Are all door knobs and shower handles tight and functioning properly?
  35. Do all doors open and close easily without binding or creaking?
  36. Are boxes of packed belongings stacked neatly in the garage or other storage areas?
  37. Have all empty paint cans, insecticides, spare parts, rusty nails, and empty containers been disposed of out of the garage area?
  38. Have all personal bathroom items been removed to out-of-sight locations?
  39. Are bathroom fixtures clean, with chrome or brass sparkling?
  40. Do you understand the "Homeowner's Ten Rules for a Successful Showing"?