Home Selling Checklist

It's the end result that drives us from the very beginning.

First impressions are key when selling, so it’s important to put in the time to make sure your home is in top condition. Fresh paint, clean closets, flowers; there’s a lot you can do to make even the humblest of homes look like a million bucks. Check out our Get Ready To Sell checklist below for a list of ideas and tips.

Get Ready to Sell Checklist

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.

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.

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.

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.

Throughout:

Clean all floors, carpets, walls, and trim.

Replace burned-out light bulbs.

Empty trash.

Remove family photos, valuables,
and prescription drugs.

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.

Basement:

Check for water penetration or dampness;
call for professional repairs if necessary.

Get rid of musty odors.

Clean furnace, hot water heater, and drains.

Make sure light fixtures work.

Arrange storage area in a neat and
organized manner.

Make sure stairway handrail is secure.

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. Buyers often drive by homes they are
considering at various times of day.

Put away toys and hobby supplies; remove extra
magazines and books from tables.

Want your own copy?

Download a PDF version at the link below

Get ready to sell checklist

Selling your house? Here is a checklist to get started.

Home Selling Checklist

Home

Properties

About Me

Blog

Neighborhood News