Preparing Your Home Checklist

OUTSIDE KITCHEN
  - Mow the lawn, and trim trees and shrubs away from the house.
  - Remove dead plants, flowers & shrubs.
  - Put away tools, garbage cans, hoses, toys & building materials.
  - Remove window screens while selling your home & keep windows clean.
  - Check for broken roof shingles and clean out gutters.
  - Seal or resurface driveway.
  - Clear patios and decks of planters, flower pots, charcoal & barbecues.
 

- Dress up front yard shrubs & lamp posts with fresh mulch.

  - Repaint or refinish trim around windows and doors.
  - Clean the stove, oven, range hood and countertops.
  - Repair drippy faucets and squeaks or binds in cabinet drawers. Make sure cabinet hardware is also cleaned.
  - Discard old food & leftovers from refrigerator.
  - Remove messages, pictures and magnets from refrigerator.
  - Clear small appliances, dish drainer and cookware from countertop.
  - Wipe down cabinets and clear out items under the sink.
  Other: ___________________________
  Other: ___________________________
FOYER FAMILY ROOM
  - Clean all light fixtures and replace with bright bulbs in the light fixtures.
  -Turn on all the lights before a buyer arrives to show there is nothing to hide.
  - Roll up and remove small rugs.
  - Fill the house with a fresh scent. Heat vanilla on the stove or bake a batch of cookies.
  - Spotlessly clean woodwork & carpeting.
  - Clear window ledges of all objects to give a nice glimpse inside & out.
  - Repaint walls in a neutral color such as antique white.
  Other: ______________________________
  - Clean fireplace & remove any items in front of it.
  - Replace carpet if it has a loud color.
  - Remove magazines, books, video games, toys and other clutter.
  - Create an easy going, relaxed atmosphere.
  - Dust and simplify shelves; remove family photos.
  Other: _______________________________
  Other: _______________________________
  Other: _______________________________
LIVINGROOM BATHROOMS
 

- Discard worn furniture & move extras to a storage area.

 

- Visit a model home to get decorating ideas.

 

- Clear away all magazines, books & other objects from furniture.

 

- Take down picture that hide walls. Patch nail holes & paint.

 

- Add lamps & lighting in dark area.

 

- Open the curtains.

 

- Set out some fresh flowers.

  _______________________________
 

- Remove any unnecessary items from the vanity, tub, etc.

 

- The fixtures, tile & shower curtain should be immaculate.

 

- Caulk & grout tile. Bleach discolored grout.

 

- Remove any wall paper that is not "conservative."

 

- Decorate with towels.

  - Check bath vents are working properly.
  -Make sure all fixtures work properly and fix leaks.
  _______________________________
MASTER BEDROOM MISCELLANEOUS
 

-This is 2nd most important-to-be appealing room.

 

- Define areas by furniture arrangement. Keep it simple.

 

- Be sure clothes are hung up.

 

- Store off-season clothing elsewhere.

  - Clean out closets enough for buyers to get a good idea of storage size.
  - Make sure nothing is left under beds; add bed skirts for cleaner look.
  Other: ______________________________
 

- Clean or replace HVAC filter. Clean air returns.

 

- Test all smoke detectors.

 

- Clean chimney, fireplace or woodstove.

 

- Remove any wall paper that is not "conservative."

 

- Decorate with towels.

  - Make sure all windows, doors and cabinets open easily without squeaks; replace rusty hinges.
  - Check ventilation in attic, basement and crawlspace; update if necessary.
  Other: _______________________________