Download Printable Checklist

Removing Clutter:

This is not as easy as it sounds for most people because they are emotionally attached to everything in the house. It does, however, affect the way buyers see the home and the impression they take with them. Take a step back and pretend you are a buyer.

• Get everything off of your kitchen counters. Everything! Even the toaster you use in the mornings. If there is not enough room in the cabinets, clean them out by putting rarely used items in a box and put the box in storage. You are creating open space where a buyer can envision their "stuff."
• Clean out everything beneath your kitchen sink.
• Clean out your closets by pre-packing the extra clothes and shoes. The goal being to have at least 30% of open rods and shelves.
• Many people have too much furniture in certain rooms - not too much for your own personal living needs but too much to give the illusion of space every buyer wants. Pack away what you can get by without for a few months.
• Garages, attics, and sheds accumulate not only clutter but junk. These areas should be as empty as possible. If you cannot remove the items, stack them against the walls to show maximum floor space. Think about a garage sale.

Touch up and Clean up:

• Painting can be your best investment when selling your home. Touch up areas that look worn or faded.
• If a complete repainting is warranted , and in many cases it is, do not choose colors that are your preference, but rather those that will appeal to the widest number of buyers. Wash the windows and screens, inside and out.
• Clean ceiling fans and ventilating hoods.
• Clean and polish floors. Remove stains from toilets, tubs, and sinks.
• The front door should be especially sharp. Polish the door fixture so it gleams. Paint or refinish the door if necessary. Get a new door mat. Remove any name plaque (you can always put it back up if necessary). Make sure the lock works easily and there is no trouble with a showing agent getting in the front door.
• Have carpets cleaned and stretched if necessary. If carpet replacement is in order, pick a neutral color to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
  Repair or replace broken tiles, but do not spend a lot of money on anything. Remember you are not fixing the place up for yourself, you want to move.

Repairs:

• Fix any dripping faucets (perhaps only a washer is needed). If the fixture cannot be cleaned, replace it as this can be done inexpensively and installed fairly easily.
• Replace old caulking around sinks, bathtubs, and showers.
• Spray lubricant on all squeaking doors, windows, and cabinets.
• Mow and edge your lawn and spread fresh dark mulch in flower beds.
• Replace downed shutters or gutters. Remove debris from gutters.
• Replace torn or missing window screens.

Congratulations! Your Home is Ready!