Sell Your Home Checklist: Preparing Your Property for a Successful Sale

• 18 Jan, 2023
• Becton Loveless
• No comment

Planning to put your home on the market? The professionals at STANSPRO have assembled this practical checklist to help homeowners get their properties ready for sale. You’ll also find helpful open house preparation and showing tips at the end.

Exterior Home Preparation

Your home’s exterior creates the first impression for prospective buyers, so curb appeal is essential.

• Touch up painted trim around doors, windows, fascia boards, and other exterior features.
• Revitalize the lawn with fertilizer and regular watering if it appears thin or discolored. Continue mowing and edging routinely while the home is listed.
• Trim back overgrown bushes and landscaping to showcase the home’s exterior.
• Add seasonal flowers or attractive ground cover to enhance visual appeal.
• Replace any missing shutters, gutters, or downspouts, and clear away debris.
• Examine the roof for damaged shingles, broken tiles, or repairs that may be needed.
• Repair cracks in driveways and walkways using concrete patch products. Remove stubborn stains with appropriate cleaning solutions.
• Treat and remove stucco discoloration or water stains using a mild bleaching product.
• Repair damaged fencing and apply fresh paint where needed.
• Keep the curb and driveway area free of leaves, dirt, and debris. Rinse these areas periodically with a garden hose.
• Clean all windows inside and out.
• Apply these same recommendations to the backyard and children’s play areas.

Interior Home Preparation

Living Area

• Thoroughly clean the entire home from top to bottom.
• Secure valuables in a safe location.
• Patch wall cracks and holes, then touch up paint as necessary.
• Clean interior doors and repair or replace damaged window screens.
• Avoid repainting every room unless existing colors are unusually bold or highly personalized. Neutral shades and light colors appeal to more buyers and can make rooms feel larger.
• Professionally clean carpets and draperies if needed. Vacuum carpets before every showing.
• If your home has a fireplace, ensure the tile, screen, and hearth are clean and well maintained.
• Eliminate squeaks by lubricating doors, windows, and cabinet hardware.
• Use odor eliminators in rooms and closets.
• Store seasonal clothing elsewhere to make closets appear more spacious.
• Pack away excess belongings that create clutter or make rooms feel crowded.
• Add a few healthy plants to bring color and life to living spaces.

Kitchen

The kitchen is often a major selling point. Bright, clean, and welcoming kitchens attract buyers.

• Keep countertops clear and free of unnecessary appliances.
• Ensure all appliances are spotless and neatly arranged.
• Never leave dirty dishes in the sink.
• Clean and polish the kitchen flooring. If it appears worn or outdated, consider replacing it.
• Remove dust and grease from ceiling fans, exhaust fans, and vent hoods.

Bathroom

• Deep clean all bathroom fixtures and surfaces.
• Remove stains from toilets, tubs, sinks, and surrounding areas.
• Replace deteriorated caulking around sinks and bathtubs.
• Fix or replace dripping faucets.
• Clear and disinfect drains to eliminate odors
• Polish all mirrors until streak-free.
• Keep toilet lids closed.
• Place clean, fresh towels in each bathroom.

Garage

• Hold a garage sale to reduce clutter and dispose of unneeded items.
• Pack family keepsakes and items you plan to move, then store them neatly in the garage.
• Remove oil and grease stains from the garage floor using a suitable degreaser.
• Eliminate cobwebs and dust buildup.
• If the basement or attic is usable living or storage space, ensure it is clean, organized, and properly maintained.

Showing Your Home

Home Staging Tips (Before the Showing)

• Dust and vacuum the entire home thoroughly.
• Tidy and lightly clean all living spaces.
• Open blinds and curtains to maximize natural light. Turn on lamps and lights where needed to brighten rooms.
• If possible, schedule showings before moving furniture out so buyers can better visualize the space.
• Put away household clutter and children’s belongings, including toys, bicycles, skateboards, and similar items.
• Turn off televisions and play soft background music at a low volume.
• During showings, plan to be away from the home whenever possible. If you must remain, keep interactions minimal and ensure children stay quiet.
• Keep pets away from visitors and maintain clean pet areas.
• Your real estate agent may suggest offering refreshments to guests.
• Consider baking cookies or brownies before the open house to create a welcoming atmosphere and pleasant scent.

During (And After) the Open House

• Once the open house begins, allow your agent to lead the presentation and answer questions unless assistance is requested.
• Avoid discussing household items for sale unless buyers specifically ask.
• Continue keeping valuables secured.
• If prospective buyers visit outside of scheduled showings, direct them to your agent.
• You may answer simple questions, but whenever possible allow your agent to provide detailed responses.
• Collect business cards from visiting agents and save them for your agent.
• Note the date of each visit and whether the agent was accompanied by buyers.
• Inform your agent in advance if you will be traveling and provide the best way to reach you.