Consider the Following Suggestions to Help Buyers See the Best in Your Home:

Attic

• Check underside of roof for leaks, stains or dampness
• Look around chimney for condensation or signs of water
• Clean and clear ventilation openings if necessary
• Clean out stored junk

Walls and Ceilings

• Check condition of paint and wallpaper
• Repair cracks, holes or damage to plaster or wallboard
  
  Windows and Doors
• Check for smooth operation
• Replace broken or cracked panes
• Repair glazing
• Check condition of weather stripping and caulking
• Examine paint
• Wash windows and woodwork, if necessary
  
  Test doorbell or chimes
  
  Test security system
  
  Floors
• Inspect for creaking boards, loose or missing tiles, worn areas
• Check baseboards and moldings
• Test the staircases for loose handrails, posts or treads
  
  Bathrooms
• Check tile joints, grouting and caulking
• Remove mildew
• Repair leaking faucets and shower heads
• Check the condition of painted or papered walls
• Test operation of toilet

Kitchen

• Wash all appliances
• Clean ventilator or exhaust fan
• Remove accumulation of grease or dust from tiles, walls and floors

Basement

• Remove clutter
• Check for signs of dampness, cracked walls or damaged floors
• Inspect structural beams
• Check pipes for leaks

Electrical System

• Check exposed wiring and outlets for signs of wear or damage
• Repair broken switches and outlets
• Label each circuit or fuse

Plumbing System

• Check water pressure when taps in bathroom(s) and kitchen are turned on
• Look for leaks at faucets and sink traps
• Clear slow-running or clogged drains
• Bleed air off radiators if needed, and check for leaking valves

Heating and Cooling Systems

• Change or clean furnace and air-conditioning filters
• Have equipment serviced, if needed
• Clear and clean area around heating and cooling equipment

Reprinted with permission, Stewart Title Guaranty Company.