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.
0• 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.
