Pre-Listing Checklist For Sellers
Tidy Up, Clean Up, Patch Up, The Finishing Touch.
Prelisting Checklist
Tidy Up!
When a home appears cluttered, buyers can’t “see” the home or its potential. By storing items you don’t need or use, your home will feel more inviting to potential buyers. When selling a home, less is more!
Clean Up!
A clean home gives the impression that it has been well cared for. Strive to make your
home visually and aromatically appealing. Remember: Paint in the can is worth $20, but it’s worth $1,000 on the wall!
Patch Up!
Minor repairs often become major stumbling blocks for potential buyers. Take away those distractions by fixing minor issues before they become major.
The Finishing Touch!
The little “extras” make a home feel special.
Remember, your home is competing with others in your neighborhood. Make your home stand out!
The Exterior
Tidy Up!
- Mow the lawn and trim trees and shrubs away from the house
- Rake leaves, pull weeds and dispose of dead plants, flowers and shrubs
- Store tools and other equipment neatly in the garage
Clean Up!
- Wash windows, inside and out
- Sweep all sidewalks and driveways
Patch Up!
- Repair doors and windows
- Repair major cracks in sidewalks and/or driveways
- Repair roof shingles, shutters, gutters, windows, siding and fencing
- Clean up the front/back yards with new sod, plants, flowers and mulch if needed
The Finishing Touch!
- Add a new doormat at the entrance
- Add a potted or hanging plant
- Add new house numbers
Kitchen / Breakfast
Tidy Up!
- Clear extra gadgets from all kitchen countertops
- Remove all messages, pictures and magnets from the refrigerator
- Clear away any papers, mail or newspaper that may have accumulated on countertops
- Clear sink, stove and countertops of all dishes, pots and pans
Clean Up!
- Wipe down cabinets & polish sinks
- Clean all appliances, inside and out
- Wash kitchen floors
- Air out garbage area with a deodorizer &/or freshener
Patch Up!
- Repair any faucet/sink leaks
- Repair any broken appliances
- Repair any non-working kitchen cabinets and drawers
- Patch and paint walls and ceilings, if necessary
The Finishing Touch!
- Add a new throw rug
- Add a plant
The Bathrooms
Tidy Up!
- Remove any unnecessary items from the countertops
- Organize linen closets, medicine cabinets, etc.
Clean Up!
- Clean sinks, toilets, bathtubs and showers, and make sure they are mold-free
- Polish mirrors and bathroom fixtures
- Wash bathroom floor
Patch Up!
- Repair any faucet, sink and/or toilet leaks
- Caulk and grout tile, if necessary
- Patch and paint walls and ceilings, if necessary
The Finishing Touch!
- Add a scented candle
- Add coordinated towels and accessories
- Add a new shower curtain
The Living Areas
Tidy Up!
- Remove piles of papers and magazines from tables
- Rearrange furniture; discard worn furniture and store “extra” pieces
- Straighten bookshelves
Clean Up!
- Clean and deodorize all carpet, spot cleaning where necessary; wash all floors
- Polish all furniture
- Wipe down lighting fixtures, making sure all light bulbs are working
- Wash window treatments
- Clean fireplace, if applicable
Patch Up!
- Patch and paint walls and ceilings, if necessary
The Finishing Touch!
- Display linens on table
- Add fresh flowers, potpourri or a scented candle
- Rearrange pictures to highlight specific areas
- Add lamps if room is dark
The Bedrooms
Tidy Up!
- Straighten children’s play area and store extra toys
- Remove extra furniture and rearrange to define areas
- Make closets more appealing by storing seasonal clothes elsewhere
- Be sure all clothes are hanging up and not lying around the room
Clean Up!
- Clean and deodorize all carpet, spot cleaning where necessary
- Wash window treatments
- Wipe down lighting fixtures, making sure all light bulbs are working
Patch Up!
- Patch and paint walls and ceilings, if necessary
The Finishing Touch!
- Add decorative pillows to beds
- Add a plant
Basement & Garage
Tidy Up!
- Organize all areas: laundry area, family area, workshop, garden equipment, etc.
- Box up and store or dispose of any unnecessary items
Clean Up!
- Sweep and clean floors
- Remove cobwebs from walls, window sills and ceilings
- Wash windows, inside and out
Patch Up!
- Make sure furnace, A/C and hot water heater are in working order
Here Comes A Buyer
Before each showing, be sure to complete these last minute touches to make your home stand out and look great!
Exterior
- Pick up after pets
- Pick up lawn tools, toys, etc. lying around the yard
- Clear driveways and walk areas
Interior!
- Open curtains for daytime showings and close curtains for nighttime showings
- Open windows to “freshen up” your home
- Do a quick tidy up
- Play instrumental music