Preparing Your Home to Sell

Objectively Evaluate and Review the questions below to ensure your home looks the best it possibly can in the buyer’s eyes.

House Exterior and Yard:

  1. Does your yard look well maintained?
  2. Are the trees and bushes trimmed?
  3. Is your lawn mowed and edged?
  4. Is your lawn free of weeds?
  5. Are the decks and patios clean?
  6. Does your house need painting?
  7. Are there any exterior holes or cracks?
  8. Are your walks and porches clean and in good repair?
  9. Does your roof leak or sag?
  10. Are any shingles or tiles missing?
  11. Do any lightbulbs need to be replaced?
  12. Is your chimney in good shape?

Carpeting/Walls/Ceilings:

  1. Are your carpets clean and in good condition?
  2. Do your carpets need stretching?
  3. Are there any pet or smoking odors?
  4. Do your walls have any cracks or holes?
  5. Do your walls need painting?
  6. What about that wallpaper?
  7. Do your ceilings have any water stains, cracks, or peeling?
  8. Do your ceilings need painting?

Kitchen:

  1. Are your appliances clean and in good working order?
  2. Are your cabinets in good condition?
  3. Are your countertops in good condition?
  4. Is your tile grout clean?
  5. Is your sink stained, chipped, or in need of re-caulking?
  6. Do any lightbulbs need to be replaced?

Living Room:

  1. Is your fireplace clean?
  2. Is the fireplace screen in good shape?
  3. Are all drapes, shutters, and shades clean and working properly?
  4. Are any window screens torn or bent?
  5. Do all the windows open and close easily?
  6. Are the windowsills clean?
  7. Do any doors sag or stick?
  8. Do any lightbulbs need to be replaced?
  9. Do the locks work?
  10. Is the paint in good condition?

Bedrooms:

  1. Are there any holes or damage to the walls?
  2. Do the walls need to be cleaned or painted?
  3. Clear off bedside tables, dressers, etc:?
  4. Do closet doors roll and close smoothly?
  5. Are closets organized, straightened & cleaned?
  6. Keep closet doors closed.
  7. Can you make all beds daily?
  8. Is the floor clean of clothes, toys & debris?
  9. Is there anything you don’t use that can be packed up or stored away?
  10. Are there any curtains or blinds or shutters that need to be replaced?

Bathrooms:

  1. Do your faucets shut off completely?
  2. Do your sinks drain freely?
  3. Are your toilets in good condition?
  4. Are your shower doors clean and shiny?
  5. Does your tub need caulking?
  6. Is the floor in good condition?
  7. Are your vanities and mirrors clean and in good condition?
  8. Do any lightbulbs need to be replaced?
  9. Are all exhaust fans, windows, or screens in good working order?

Laundry Room:

  1. Put all soaps and supplies in cupboards?
  2. Keep all surfaces and sinks clean and empty.
  3. Use high-watt bulbs to make the room look brighter.
  4. Remove all clothing, dirty or clean.
  5. Remove all storage items cluttering the room.
  6. Keep floors clear of clutter and mop regularly.

Basement/Attic:

  1. Is your basement/attic organized?
  2. Is your basement/attic well-lit?
  3. Are they clean?
  4. If you have stairs, are they in good repair?
  5. Do the doors open and close easily?
  6. Are there any signs of insects or rodents?

Garage:

  1. Is your garage organized?
  2. Is there clutter you can get rid of?
  3. Is it well-lit?
  4. Is the floor swept?
  5. Are there oil spots or other stains on the concrete?
  6. Pack anything you can live without.