75 Point Checklist to Prepare Your Home For Sale
The goal is to present a clean, spacious, clutter-free home - the kind you'd like to buy!
Curb Appeal
· Mow lawn
· Trim shrubs
· Edge gardens and walkways
· Weed and mulch.
· Sweep walkways and driveways, remove branches, litter and toys.
· Add color and fill bare spots with plantings.
· Remove mildew or moss from walls or walks with bleach and water.
· Take stains off your driveway with cleaner or kitty litter.
· Stack woodpile neatly
· Clean and repair patio and deck areas
· Remove any outdoor furniture which is not in good shape.
· Make sure the pool or spa sparkles.
· Replace old storm doors.
· Check for flat-fitting roof shingles.
· Repair broken windows/shutters, replace torn screens, make sure frames and seams have solid caulking.
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General Interior Tips
· Add a fresh coat of interior paint in light neutral colors.
· Shampoo carpeting, replace if necessary.
· Clean and wax hardwood floors, refinish if necessary.
· Wash all windows, vacuum blinds, wash windowsills.
· Clean the fireplace.
· Clean out and organize closets, add extra space by packing clothes and items you won’t need again until after you have moved.
· Remove extra furniture, worn rugs and items you don’t use; keep papers, toys, etc. picked up, especially on stairs.
· Repair easy fixes: loose doorknobs, cracked molding, leaky taps and toilets, squeaky doors, closet or screen doors off their tracks, etc.
· Add dished potpourri or drops of vanilla or bath oil on light bulbs for scent.
· Secure jewelry, cash or other valuables
Living Room/Dining Room/Kitchen
Living Room
· Make it cozy and inviting, discard chipped or worn furniture and frayed or worn rugs.
· Consider packing away personal photos.
· Remove as much clutter as possible.
Dining Room
· Polish any visible silver or crystal.
· Set the table for a formal dinner to help viewers imagine entertainment here.
Kitchen
· Make sure appliances are spotless inside and out (try baking soda for cleaning stains)
· Make sure all appliances are in perfect working order.
· Clean often
· forgotten spots on top of fridge and under sink.
· Wax or sponge floor to brilliant shine, clean baseboards
· Organize items inside cabinets, pre-pack anything you won’t be using before your move.
· Keep counters as clear and empty as possible.
Bathroom/Master Bedroom
Bathrooms
· Remove all rust and mildew.
· Make sure tile, fixtures, shower doors, are immaculate and shining.
· Make sure all fixtures are in good shape.
· Replace loose caulking or grout!
· Make sure the lighting is bright, but soft.
Master Bedroom
· Organize furniture to create a spacious look with well-defined sitting, sleeping and dressing areas.
· Organize and minimize walk-in closet.
Attic
· Tidy up by discarding or pre-packing.
· Make sure exposed insulation is visible and in good condition.
· Make sure the air vent is in good working order.
· Provide strong overhead lighting.
When its time to show.
· Make sure all marketing materials are readily available.
· Open all draperies and shades, turn on all lights.
· Pick up toys and other clutter, check to make sure beds are made and clothes are put away.
· Give the carpets a quick vacuuming.
· Add some strategically placed fresh flowers.
· Open bathroom window for fresh air
· Pop a spicy desert or just a pan of cinnamon in the oven for aroma
· Turn off the TV and put on some light non-offensive music at low volume.
· Make a fire in the fireplace (seasonal)
· Put pets in the backyard or arrange for a friend to keep them.
· Make sure pet areas are clean and 100% odor-free.
· Make sure all trash is disposed of.