Pre-listing checklist

Pre-listing Checklist

Fix any drains, faucets, or plumbing fixtures that are not operating.
Paint the interior. Fill and paint any cracks or holes in the walls. (You may need to repaint entire walls to mask such repairs.)
Replace burned-out bulbs and broken electrical sockets.
Replace or fix broken stairs. Repair or replace balusters. Fix any creaks as well.
Replace old locks and doorknobs. Make it easy for a buyer to walk in.
Fix any doors that do not open easily, including the garage door. If your garage door opener does not work, repair or replace it.
Replace cracked windows and torn screens.
Fix cracks in driveway and entry walkway, clean up stains. If the driveway requires major repair, it may be preferable to offer the buyer an allowance for the work.
Paint the exterior. Touch up peeling paint, window frames, porches, and shutters. Repaint the entire exterior if it is drab or peeling.
Replace or fix broken stairs. It is a matter of both safety and aesthetics.

Declutter the home!
Have a yard sale. (You can declutter AND make extra cash!)
Donate or throw away unused items.
Put possessions in storage.
Clean off everything on the kitchen counters.
Clean out and organize the garage.
Clean out and organize closets.
Empty storage from attic.
Place all breakables, antiques and other valuables in a safe place to prevent accidental damage.
Have the home professionally cleaned.
Replace batteries in smoke detectors. Test carbon monoxide detector.
How does the house smell? If the house has unpleasant odors, it may take longer to sell and/or fetch a lower price!
De-personalize the home: pack up personal photographs, family heirlooms, religious items, etc. that may deter a buyer from seeing themselves living in the home.
Fix or replace damaged flooring. If you cannot afford to replace damaged or worn floors, consider offering the buyer an allowance for renovation.

Reseal the deck and repair broken boards.
Replace shingles and tack down loose flashing on roof, or have a roofing contractor inspect the roof and make needed repairs.
Cover crawl space with 6 mm plastic sheeting. Check to make sure heating ducts are connected in crawl space.
Check that fan ducts are properly venting out of the attic.
Repair faulty cabinets. It is easy for the hinges on cabinets to get a bit loose, which results in doors that don’t close correctly or that aren’t flush with the frame
Trim trees away from roof and home.
Trim shrubs, vegetation and remove unsightly plants.
Clear debris from around the A/C compressor, downspout drainage, and foundation vents.
Overseed lawns to create “lush” look.
Power wash sidewalks, driveways, patios and exterior walls.
Clean front door and frame.
Paint as needed to improve curb appeal.
Remove screens and clean windows.
Clean out gutters.
Have irrigation and lighting systems in working order.
Keep garbage container in the rear of the house or in garage.
Keep toys and bikes out of sight.
Dress up the front. A few potted plants make the house look loved!