Preparing Your Home Checklist

Preparing Your Home Checklist

Preparing your home to be put on the market can seem like a daunting task, but I’m here to help! Go to my site http://juneausellersguide.com/staging to download this detailed check list and get your home ready to sell.

OUTSIDE:

Mow the lawn, and trim trees and shrubs away from the house.
Remove dead plants, flowers & shrubs.
Put away tools, garbage cans, hoses, toys & building materials.
Remove window screens while selling your home & keep windows clean.
Check for broken roof shingles and clean out gutters.
Seal or resurface driveway.
Clear patios and decks of planters, flower pots, charcoal & barbecues.
Dress up front yard shrubs & lamp posts with fresh mulch.
Repaint or refinish trip around windows & doors.

KITCHEN:

Clean the stove, oven, range hood & countertops.
Repair drippy faucets & squeaks or binds in cabinet drawers. Make sure cabinet hardware is also cleaned.
Discard old food & leftovers from refrigerator.
Remove messages, pictures and magnets from refrigerator.
Clear small appliances, dish drainer and cookware from countertop.
Wipe down cabinets and clear out items under the sink.

FOYER:

Clean all light fixtures and replace with bright bulbs.
Turn on all the lights before a buyer arrives to show there is nothing to hide.
Roll up and remove small rugs.
Fill the house with a fresh scent. Heat vanilla on the stove or bake a batch of cookies.
Spotlessly clean woodwork & carpeting.
Clear window ledges of all objects to give a nice glimpse inside & out.
Repaint walls in a neutral color.

LIVING AREAS:

Clean fireplace & remove any items in front of it.
Replace carpet if it has a loud color.
Remove magazines, books, video games, toys and other clutter.
Create an easy going, relaxed atmosphere.
Dust and simplify shelves; remove family photos.

LIVING ROOM:

Discard worn furniture & move extras to a storage area.
Visit a model home to get decorating ideas.
Clear away all magazines, books & other objects from furniture.
Take down pictures that hide walls. Patch nail holes & paint.
Add lamps & lighting in dark areas.
Open the curtains.
Set out fresh flowers.

BATHROOMS:

Remove any unnecessary items from the vanity, tub, etc.
The fixtures, tile & shower curtain should be immaculate.
Caulk & grout tile. Bleach discolored grout.
Remove any wall paper that is not “conservative”.
Decorate with towels.
Check bath vents are working properly.
Make sure all fixtures work properly and fix leaks.

MASTER BEDROOM:

Define areas by furniture arrangement. Keep it simple.
Be sure clothes are hung up.
Store off-season clothing elsewhere.
Clean out closets enough for buyers to get a good idea of storage size.
Make sure nothing is left under beds; add bed skirts for cleaner look.

MISCELLANEOUS:

Clean or replace HVAC filter. Clean air returns.
Test all smoke detectors.
Clean chimney, fireplace or woodstove.
Remove any wall paper that is not “conservative.”
Make sure all windows, door & cabinets open easily without squeaks; replace rusty hinges.
Check ventilation in attic, basement & crawlspace; update if necessary.

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