Preparing Your Home for the Market

by Ed Dembowczyk

Preparing Your Home for the Market

Below is a checklist of items to consider when preparing your home for the market. The more market ready you are, the best chance for a quick sale at the best price. Curb appeal is crucial, because that will get buyers in the door.

Outside

Remove all clutter from front yard, including lawn equipment.

Mow and water lawn, weed.

Prune all bushes and trees 12 inches away from house.

Plant colorful flowers.

Power wash and weed front walk; repair any cracks.

Clean and repaint or re-stain front door.

Polish or replace door handles and other hardware.

Clean porch ceiling, walls, and floor.

Replace light fixture, mail box if needed; use highest safe wattage bulbs.

Wash all windows and screens (consider having this professionally done).

Clean backyard, remove gardening equipment.

Clean BBQ grill, lawn furniture.

Power wash siding; touch up paint if needed.

Power wash driveway.

Clean ponds, fountains.

Sweep and power wash sidewalk in front of house.

Clean garage inside and out.

Inside

Remove excess furniture to open up the space.

Depersonalize (remove trophies, family photos).

Clear out closets and cabinets.

Clean garage and basement.

Clear countertops in bathrooms and kitchen.

Clean appliances.

Clean bathrooms (kitchen and bathrooms must be spotless).

Clear off horizontal spaces (tops of bookshelves, top of kitchen cabinets, tabletops).

Shampoo carpets and rugs, remove any stains.

Dust ceilings.

Clean fireplace.

Clean blinds, draperies, or replace.

Keep pets clean, and remove pet items for showings.

Make Needed Repairs

Clear gutters and roof.

Repair/replace sagging or rusty downspouts, gutters.

Inspect and clean chimney.

Repair/replace worn shingles.

Caulk windows, tubs, showers, sink.

Replace non-working switches and outlets.

Replace burnt-out bulbs (use highest wattage that's safe). Repair fixtures and toilets.

Staging

Consider professional staging.

Replace welcome mat, add wreath, flower box to make front entrance inviting.

Replace towels in bathroom (only use for showings).

Replace soap dispenser in bathroom; consider replacing shower curtain, rugs.

Set dining room table for two with placemats and place settings, candles, wine glasses, cloth napkins. Set eating bar for two with placemats, cereal bowls, cloth napkins, silverware.