Sellers Guide to Preparing Your Home for Sale

EXTERIOR
Does the house need painting?
Are there any holes or cracks in the siding or masonry?
Are the walks and porches clean and in good repair?
Does the front of your home give a “Welcome” appearance?
Is the chimney working? Has it been cleaned by a chimney sweep?
 
LANDSCAPING
Does the yard look well maintained?
Are the trees and bushes trimmed?
Is the lawn mowed and edged?
Is it free of weeds?
 
ROOF
Does it leak?
Are any shingles, tiles or metal missing?
Does the roof sag?
 
INTERIOR WALLS
Are there any cracks or holes in the walls?
Do the walls need painting?
Is the wallpaper dated or dreary?
 
KITCHEN
Are the appliances clean and in working order?
Are the cabinets in good condition and neatly arranged?
Are the countertops in good condition?
Is the tile grout clean?
Is the sink stained, chipped or in need of caulking?
 
CEILINGS
Are there any water stains on the ceilings?
Are the ceilings cracked or peeling?
Do the ceilings need painting?
 
FLOORS
Are the carpets clean?
Do the carpets need stretching?
Are there any spots or faded areas on the carpet?
Does the vinyl still shine?
Are there any cracks in tiles that need replacing?
 
BATHROOMS
Do the faucets shut off completely?
Do the sinks drain freely?
Are the toilets in good condition?
Are the shower doors or curtains in good repair and clean?
Do the tubs or surrounds need caulking?
Are the vanities and mirrors in good condition?
 
WINDOWS
Are the drapes, shutters and/or shades working properly?
Are they clean and attractive?
Are any screens missing or bent?
Do the windows open and close easily?
Do you need to replace the storm windows?
Is there any wood rot or rust?
 
DOORS
Are they in good condition?
Do the locks work?
Is the paint in good condition?
Do the doors close tightly?
 
GARAGE
Is it organized?
Is there sufficient lightly?
Is the floor swept?
Are there oil spots or other stains on the concrete?
 
ATTIC
Is it organized?
Is there sufficient lighting?
Is it clean?
Do the doors open and close easily?
Are there any signs of insects or rodents?
 
When you prepare to sell your home put yourself in the place of a prospective homebuyer and try to look at your home through the buyer’s eyes. Fix the little things that you may have procrastinated about.