Sellers Exterior & Interior Prep Checklist

Exterior Preparation Checklist

The Yard:

• Cut and edge the lawn
• Trim bushes and trees removing dead limbs and debris
• Add fertilizer to the lawn and plants
• Remove all weeds from flowerbeds, rocks and cracks in the concrete
• Install/inspect decorative metal or stone borders between lawn and planting beds
• Clean up rock/mulch beds, adding more rocks/mulch if needed to cover the ground

Decks, Patios, Driveways, Porches and Fences:

• Wash driveways and sidewalks
• Patch holes and cracks
• Remove stains
• Replace any broken areas
• Paint and/or stain fences and decks
• Arrange outdoor furniture and firewood neatly
• Put away all lawn equipment, bikes and toys

House:

• Inspect all exterior elements of the home: gutters, downspouts, siding, windows, sashes, trim and shutter. Clean, paint and replace as needed.
• Replace any broken windows, doors and screens. Make sure they all operate properly
• Clean windows and screens thoroughly. This helps brighten the home inside
• Roof: Inspect for missing/damaged shingles and flashing. Make any necessary repairs
• Clean and touch-up paint on little things such as house numbers, mailboxes, doorbells, etc.

Front Porch: EXTRA ATTENTION NEEDED! This should be very welcoming

• Replace the front door if damaged and cannot be repaired
• Paint door and trim
• Clean porch area
• Put out a new, clean doormat
• Install potted/hanging plants if space permits
• Have a nice porch light. Repaint, clean or replace. Install high-wattage bulbs to make the porch area bright

Interior Preparation Checklist

Whole-Home Improvements:

• Clean windows and screens, curtains, drapes and blinds
• Clean carpets. If pet stains exist, replace carpet and pad
• Clean and wax wood floors
• Clean vinyl and ceramic floors
• Clean, paint and replace all vent covers
• Clean, polish, paint/stain wood trim in your home
• Be sure to remove pet odour and smoke odour when cleaning. Smell is a huge part of what buyers remember about your home
• Remove wallpaper and borders (this feature is personal taste and buyers see “work” when they see wallpaper)
• Repair damages to the wall and ceiling including holes, cracks, and water stains. Repaint after repair

Make House Light and Bright:

• Clean all lampshades and covers
• Replace bulbs with high-wattage bulbs
• Clean windows and screens

Closets:

• Remove all out-of-season clothes from closetsLeave only a few items on the floor of closets
• Add extra empty hangers
• Neatly arrange items on shelving
• Leave extra space on shelves

Pay Attention to The Little Things:

• Tighten loose doorknobs
• Fix any leaky faucets
• Tighten loose towel racks
• Oil any squeaky doors or drawers
• Arrange furniture to give an open feel. Remove any unnecessary or oversized furniture
• Make sure all switches and outlets are clean and working properly
• Place fresh flower arrangements throughout the home
• Make sure windows open and close smoothly without squeaking
• Hide prescription medication. Theft is on the rise for those types of items.

Kitchen and Bathrooms:

• Thoroughly clean the countertops, appliances, mirrors, ovens, sinks, toilets, tubs and shower stalls
• Store small appliances to open up the counters. Clear off vanities, countertops and store all personal care items neatly
• Clean ventilating hoods and exhaust fans
• Remove rust stains
• New knobs on drawers make a difference
• Clean and organize drawers, cabinets and linen closets
• Clean all the tile grout and caulk. (Suggest Clorox Bleach Pen and Mr. Clean Magic Eraser)
• Re-caulk areas that cannot be cleaned

Garage, Basement, Attic and Storage Areas:

• Dispose of everything you are not going to move
• Arrange items neatly and clutter-free
• Consider painting walls and ceiling white
• Remove stains and dirt from floors
• Paint cement floors gray
• Organize garden tools and equipment
• Wipe off dirt, cobwebs from the water heater, furnace, washer and dryer
• Cure any water problems in the basement. Seek professional advice if needed