Get Ready to Sell Checklist

You’ve made the decision to sell. So now what?

As you prepare to begin showing your home to prospective buyers, you might consider taking some of the steps listed here.

Potential buyers often welcome a home that is clean, neat, uncluttered, in good repair, light, fragrant, and quiet.

Here are a few tips that can help you get your home ready to show.

Make A Checklist:

Exterior

  • Remove peeling and chipped paint; replace with a fresh coat.
  • Clear gutters and downspouts.
  • Make sure there is good exterior lighting and all walkway and front-door lights work.

Yard

  • Mow and trim grass; re-seed and fertilize where necessary.
  • Prune all overgrown trees and shrubs.
  • Remove or replace dead or diseased plants, shrubs and trees.
  • Clean grease and oil stains from driveway.
  • Weed flower beds.

Decks/Patios

  • Paint or stain worn areas in wood decks.
  • Remove grass growing in concrete cracks; sweep off debris from shrubs and trees.
  • Clean all deck rails and make sure they’re secure; replace missing slats or posts.

Front Door

  • Polish the hardware on the door until it shines.
  • Add a fresh coat of paint to get rid of nicks.
  • Make sure the doorbell and door operate properly.

Windows

  • Clean all windows—inside and out.
  • Check that all windows open and close easily.
  • Replace any window screens with holes or tears.

Entry

  • Downsize clutter in entry closet to give the appearance of spaciousness.

Living Room/Dining Room/Family Room

  • Give the room a fresh coat of paint if necessary (use neutral colors where possible).
  • Repair cracks and holes in ceiling, walls or woodwork.
  • Clean draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light.
  • Steam-clean carpets. Clean rugs and wood flooring, and remove any stains or odors.
  • Position the furniture to showcase the size and space of the room.
  • Put away toys and hobby supplies; remove extra magazines and books from tables.
  • Store family photos, children’s artwork, and other personal effects.
  • Leave some lighting on – especially in rooms without a lot of natural light.

Kitchen

  • Make sure countertops and sinks are clean, de-cluttered, and stain-free.
  • Fix dripping faucets.
  • Organize pantry and cupboards so they appear clean, neat, and spacious.
  • Clean the oven and cook-top thoroughly.
  • Make sure dirty dishes are cleaned and put away every day.

Bathrooms

  • Make sure sinks, tubs, showers, and countertops are clean and free of stains.
  • Repair any leaky faucets.
  • Replace any missing or cracked tiles or grout.
  • Make sure all fixtures and exhaust fans are operating.
  • Replace shower curtains and place a matching set of towels in the bathroom.
  • Store all supplies, such as toilet paper, shampoo bottles, and cleansers.
  • Put away prescriptions, jewelry, and any valuables.

Bedrooms

  • Repair cracks in ceiling and walls.
  • Apply a fresh coat of paint if necessary.
  • Clean draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light.
  • Put away toys, clothes.
  • Keep all closets clean and organized; treat any odors.
  • Make bed every day; put away dirty laundry; keep bedside table clear of clutter.

Tidy Extras

  • Plant flowers to brighten a walkway and enrich the entry.
  • Remove any indoor houseplants that are brown or losing their leaves.
  • Remove any “fixer” cars from the property.
  • Turn on lights for ambient lighting; makes rooms feel more inviting.
  • Hide or get rid of worn-out throw pillows.
  • At night, turn on front lights and outdoor lighting to keep home illuminated.