Making Your House Ready to Sell

If you are planning to sell your home, be sure to take a good look at it first. Does your house need a coat of paint on the outside? Perhaps things like shutters and window trim could use some paint. Does the front porch or a deck need to be painted or water-sealed?

If you need to paint the exterior of your home and you might possibly be able to afford to hire a professional painter, get at least four quotes. If you feel you can do it yourself, visit some paint stores and check prices. Try to find a good quality paint that is guaranteed to cover in one coat.

Remember that exterior house painting is seen by everyone who passes or stops at your home. In painting it yourself, be careful not to get the overall color on window and door trim or shutters. Stand back and look at your work from a distance. Is it covering well? Does it look even and smooth - not streaked? This is part of the curb-appeal of your house, so aim to get it right.

Get someone to help you paint the exterior of your house if possible. The job will go much faster with two people working at it. If you don't like to paint high peaks, let a helper do that if necessary.

Interior House Painting

Before you begin painting the interior of your house, fill all holes in the walls, large or small, with plaster patch and allow it to dry before painting. You may want to paint part of the interior of your house, or some specific rooms. Be sure to buy some good-quality paint and preferably one that covers in one coat. Choose neutral colors such as light beige, pale blue, light mauve or anything that is not too brilliant or gaudy.

If the interior of your house seems rather dark on cloudy days, use lighter shades to brighten it up. You can also hang some shear curtains in place of heavier drapes. Turn on lights all through the house when potential buyers are having a look. Some realtors do this on entering a house, but some do not.

Caring For, and Cleaning Varnished Wood

Take care in painting around windows, doors and any other trim that are painted another color, or have been varnished. If doors and most trim is varnished wood, try polishing with a good cleaner/polisher. Only re-varnish if necessary.

There is a product called Scratch Cover which is excellent for covering scratches and nicks on varnished wood. This product comes in 'For Light Woods,' and 'For Dark Woods.' To use the Scratch Cover, place a small amount of the product on a clean, soft cloth and wipe over the blemished area. Finally, wipe clean with a clean, dry cloth until the finish becomes lustrous.

Sources:
Personal Experience/knowledge