Seller Resource
Preparing Your Home Checklist
A practical checklist I use to help sellers think through first impressions before photography, showings, and open houses.
Small improvements can change how buyers feel.
Your home only gets one chance to make a first impression. This checklist is not about making a home perfect. It is about removing distractions, creating clarity, and helping buyers notice what is strongest about the property.
Your Home’s Curb Appeal
- Mow lawn
- Trim shrubs
- Edge gardens and walkways
- Weed and mulch
- Sweep walkways and driveway
- Add color and fill bare spots with plantings
- Remove mildew or moss from exterior surfaces
- Take stains off driveway with cleanser or kitty litter
- Stack woodpile neatly
- Clean and repair patio and deck area
- Remove outdoor furniture that is not in good repair
- Make pool or spa sparkle
- Repair broken windows and shutters
- Clean and remove rust from window air conditioning units
- Paint the front door and mailbox
- Make sure doorbell is in good working order
General Interior Tips
- Add a fresh coat of light, neutral paint
- Shampoo carpeting or replace if necessary
- Clean and wax hardwood floors
- Clean kitchen and bathroom floors
- Wash windows, vacuum blinds, and wash window sills
- Clean fireplace
- Clean out closets and pre-pack items you will not need before moving
- Remove extra furniture, worn rugs, and items you do not use
- Repair loose knobs, cracked molding, leaking taps, and squeaky doors
- Add light scent such as potpourri or vanilla
- Secure jewelry, cash, and valuables
The Living Room
- Make it cozy and inviting
- Discard chipped or worn furniture
- Remove frayed or worn rugs
The Dining Room
- Polish visible silver and crystal
- Set the table to help buyers imagine entertaining
The Kitchen
- Make sure appliances are spotless inside and out
- Make sure all appliances are in working order
- Clean often-forgotten spots on top of the refrigerator and under sink
- Wax or sponge floor to a clean shine
- Unclutter counter space
- Organize cabinets and pre-pack what you will not need before moving
The Bathrooms
- Remove all rust and mildew
- Make tubs, showers, toilets, and fixtures shine
- Make sure all fixtures are in good repair
- Replace loose caulking or grout
- Make lighting bright but soft
The Master Bedroom
- Arrange furnishings to create a spacious look with defined sitting, sleeping, and dressing areas
The Garage
- Sell, give away, or throw out unnecessary items
- Clean oily cement floor
- Provide strong overhead light
- Tidy storage or work areas
The Basement
- Sell, give away, or throw out unnecessary items
- Create more floor space by hanging tools and placing items on shelves
- Clean water heater and drain sediment
- Change furnace filter
- Make inspection access easy
- Clean and paint concrete floors and walls
- Provide strong overhead light
The Attic
- Tidy by discarding or pre-packing
- Make sure energy-saving insulation is apparent
- Make sure the air vent is in working order
- Provide strong overhead lighting
When It’s Time to Show
- Make sure property profile folder and utility bills are available
- Open draperies and shades and turn on lights
- Pick up toys and clutter
- Give carpets a quick vacuuming
- Add fresh flowers where appropriate
- Open bathroom windows for fresh air
- Add a spicy dessert or cinnamon scent
- Turn off television and keep music low
- Make a fire in the fireplace if appropriate
- Put pets in the backyard or arrange for a friend to keep them
- Make sure pet areas are clean and odor-free
- Make sure trash is disposed of neatly