Preparing to Sell Your Home: A Complete Checklist

  

Once you’ve found your OnDemand Realty agent, you’re ready to get your home in tip-top selling shape. The following checklist is available as a free downloadable PDF here:

Get Ready to Sell Checklist – PDF

Exterior

- Remove peeling and chipped paint; replace with a fresh coat
- Fix loose trim and fencing
- Clear gutters and downspouts
- Make sure there is good exterior lighting and all walkway lights and front-door lanterns work
- Clean and repair the roof as needed
-Clear garage of clutter and tidy shelves
-Inspect chimney for cracks and damage

Decks/Patios
-Paint or stain worn areas on 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
-Clean outdoor furniture

Front Door
-Polish or stain worn areas on wood decks
-Add a fresh coat of paint to get rid of nicks
-Clean the glass on the storm door; make certain the screen is secure
-Make sure the doorbell operates properly and there are no squeaks when the door opens and closes

Windows
-Clean all windows inside and out
-If needed, add a fresh coat of paint to the window trims and sills
-Make sure all windows open and close easily
-Replace cracked windowpanes and those with broken seals
-Make sure window screens are clean and secure; replace any screens with holes or tears

Front Entry
-Clean entryway floors and area rugs
-Downsize clutter in the entry and entry closet to give the appearance of spaciousness
-Double-check entry lighting to make sure it works

Interior

-General Interior Cleaning
-Clean all floors, carpets, walls, and trim
-Replace burned-out light bulbs
-Empty trash
-Remove family photos, valuables, and prescription drugs
-Tidy up clutter

Kitchen
-Fix dripping faucets
-Organize pantry and cupboards so they appear clean, neat, and spacious
-Make sure the refrigerator and freezer are defrosted and free of odors
-Clean the oven and cook top thoroughly
-Set the table

Living/Family/Dining Rooms
-Give rooms a fresh coat of paint as needed
-Repair cracks and holes in ceiling and walls
-Make sure all wallpaper is secure
-Repaint any woodwork that is worn or chipped
-Clean or replace draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light
-Make sure draperies and blinds open and close
-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
-Remove and replace any attached items, such as chandeliers and draperies, that you wish to move with you
-Put away toys and hobby supplies; remove extra magazines and books from tables

Bathrooms
-Make sure sinks, tubs, showers, and countertops are clean and free of stains
-Repair any leaky faucets
-Remove grout and soap stains from tile
-Replace any missing or cracked tiles or grout
-Make sure all joints are caulked
-Make sure all fixtures, including heat lamps and exhaust fans are operating
-Install a new shower curtain and buy matching towels
-Store all supplies, such as toilet paper, shampoo bottles and cleansers, out of sight

Bedrooms
-Repair cracks in ceiling and walls
-Apply a fresh coat of paint if necessary
-Make sure all wallpaper is secure
-Clean draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light
-Put away toys, clothes, and clutter
-Neatly make up the beds

Tidy Extras
-Use air fresheners or bake treats to make the house smell good
-Plant flowers to brighten the walkway and enrich the entry
-Remove any indoor houseplants that are brown or losing their leaves
-Remove all “fixer” cars, campers, and boats from the property
-Discard the clutter of magazines on the coffee and end tables
-Tidy and declutter all closets
-Hide or get rid of worn-out throw pillows
-Store pet supplies
-At night, turn on the porch light and outdoor lighting
-Put away toys and hobby supplies; remove extra magazines and books from tables

           

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