Preparing to put your home on the market can be a daunting task. To help consolidate the to-do's during the pre-listing process, we've put together a checklist for the make-ready process.
• Clean: have interior of house professionally cleaned or spend a few hours in “cleaning mode”
This includes HVAC return vents, scouring showers and caulk, baseboards, fan blades, light fixtures, window treatments, etc
• Depersonalize: remove personal items and highly-specific decor
• Clear out all clutter (books, photos, knick-knacks)
A good rule of thumb is to pack up half of everything that is sitting out
• Simplify furniture
Consider storing any furniture that makes a room feel crowded; Create cozy conversation areas to help buyers see the functionality
• Paint the walls or use Mr. Clean sponge for touch-ups
• Do a lightbulb check to ensure all bulbs are functional
• Remove all unnecessary items from kitchen counters
• Keep closets as empty as possible
• Neutralize decor: replace colorful decorative pillows and blankets with neutrals
• Use baskets to keep pantry organized
• Fresh white towels and bathmats in the bathroom; store shampoo, toothbrush, and other products in cabinets
• Power wash siding and walkways
• Hang easy-to-read house numbers
• Plant blooming flowers and fresh greenery
• Mow lawn, and reseed or add fresh sod as needed
• Wash windows
• Add fresh mulch in all flower beds
• Repaint or stain porch floors, as needed
• Freshen the entry with a clean doormat
• Trim shrubbery
• Clean outdoor furniture
• Place fresh flowers in the home
• Use scented candles
• Turn on all lamps and lights
• Play soft music through TV or sound system
• Take care of small repairs and updates such as leaky faucets or squeaky doors
