Preparing Your Home for Sale

First impressions are lasting impressions. You can significantly increase your “sellability” by prepping correctly and completely BEFORE your home is listed for sale. The outline below is meant to serve as an example, and is not exhaustive. The name of this game here is to address anything that appears dirty, distressed, or dated.

• Remove clutter from countertops and shelving.
• Scrub all surfaces including countertops, sink, appliances, and flooring.
• Clean any grease build up on backsplash, stove hood, and microwave.
• Replace light fixture(s) if dated.

• Remove clutter from countertops and shelving.
• Scrub all surfaces including countertops, sink, bathtub & surround, toilet, and flooring.
• Replace the shower curtain.
• Repair/replace leaky or old faucets.
• Replace light fixture if dated.
• Clean grout and caulking; replace if necessary.

• Declutter! Closets should be half empty and organized.

• Scrub flooring and clean/paint walls.
• Entry closet should be half empty and organized.
• Lighting should be bright in this area!

• Keep your grass cut (or snow removed).
• Trim shrubs and keep things watered.
• Organize any garden hoses, and remove unneeded clutter.

• Replace front light fixtures, and add bright light bulbs.
• Make sure your address numbers are clearly visible.
• Make sure all painted surfaces are freshly painted, and in good shape.
• Clean all windows with squeegees to prevent streaking.

• Remove all clutter! Buy shelving if needed to store everything neatly.
• Clean the floor to remove any stains.

• Replace any dated light fixtures.
• Apply fresh paint where needed.
• Steam clean all carpeting.
• Replace outlets, switches, coverplates and door knobs where face-lifting is needed.

• Vacuum up all spider webs in the basement, and dust off of furnace and water heater.
• Clean and apply floor paint on basement concrete floors.
• Ensure lighting is very bright!

• Cleanliness sells!
• Odors detract!