Putting your home on the market - a checklist

During our initial meetings with home sellers, one of the topics of conversation is what needs to be done prior to listing. Here's the handy checklist we share.

Before you begin, you will need to change your perspective from that of a home owner, to that of a property seller. Most of the suggestions below are relatively inexpensive and can primarily be completed simply with some elbow grease. Allow yourself ample time to tackle this checklist so that you are ready for showings when the house hits the market.

Exterior: Look at your house from across the street. Then walk the perimeter of your property.

• House number: Is it clearly visible?
• Trees/shrubs: Are they pruned? Do you need to plant a few more to even out the landscaping?
• Flowers: It’s worth it to plant a few annuals for color.
• Sidewalk/driveway: Sweep, clean debris. Any cracks that need patching?
• Painting: Any trim work needed? 
• Doors/windows: Doors in need of repainting? Windows clean?
• Roof/gutters/down spouts: Any missing shingles? Clean out gutters/down spouts.
• Yard: Remove big plastic toys, lawn ornaments. 
• Pet waste/damage: Fill in holes Fido dug, make sure yard is free of landmines.

Interior – General: Walk Through your house and note the following.

• Clean: Does your house sparkle? Dust all those places you always forget. Shine chrome. Wipe down floor boards.
• Color: Neutral is better in general.
• Smells: Cigarettes, pets, cooking smells distract buyers.
• Furniture arrangement: Make rooms feel as open as possible and encourage flow from one room to next.
• Lighting: Replace burnt bulbs, add lamps to dark corners.
• Minor repairs: patch holes; a new coat of paint goes a long way. 
• De-personalize: Help the buyers imagine themselves in the house.
• De-Clutter: It will make moving easier to get rid of the extra stuff now. Really. Pack knickknacks now.
• Storage unit: Consider renting one if you have a lot of extra stuff in the house.
• Closets: Buyers WILL look in them, so make sure they are tidy and not overflowing.
• Basements/attics: Clean out to showcase the storage potential of the house.

Kitchen/Bath

• Fix leaky faucets/toilets.
  
• Keep fridge clean and not overstocked.
• Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks.
• Bleach dingy grout.
• Organize kitchen cabinets and pantry.
• Keep kitchen counters free of clutter. Remove the rarely used Kitchenaid, hide the toaster in a cabinet. 
• Cleanliness is extra important for these rooms. No evidence of last night’s dinner or this morning’s personal grooming.
• Towels: hang up fresh ones.

Other

• Bedrooms: de-personalize – strangers will be coming into your most private space.
• Garage: Sweep and organize tools, bikes, equipment, etc.
• Fireplace: Clean out, consider placing candles in it or fresh, clean firewood.
• Items not included in sale: Remove these now so there is no confusion later.