Preparing to Sell Checklist

6-12 Months Away

• Identify a Realtor to hire to create the timeline and a strategy for selling your home.

• Start with your storage areas such as the garage, the basement, and/or closets, and get rid of anything and everything you don’t intend to take to your next home.

• Look carefully at your home and take action on any overdue repairs and maintenance.

3-6 Months Away

• Consider painting your home in a neutral color. This includes ceilings, trim, and doors.

• Carefully examine flooring and consider installing new carpet, new flooring, refinishing hardwoods or buffing them out.

• Work with a Landscaper to trim overgrown trees, tear out dead or overgrown shrubbery, clean up and define gardens, etc.

• Consider repainting/refreshing the front door, mailbox, house numbers, and door handle/locks.

• Consider replacing interior and exterior lighting for a fresh look. Often, our original light fixtures have wear and tear that we overlook.

• Meet with your Realtor to check on your progress and update your timeline.

1-3 Months Away

• Start reducing (not eliminate) decorations and personalized items, including photos.

• Kitchen & Bathrooms - One cabinet at a time, take everything out. Throw away what is broken and donate what you don’t need. Pack up the items you won’t be using in the next 6 months.

• Kitchen & Bathrooms - For the items you will keep, clean them and organize them neatly & orderly back on the shelf. Think how they stack items in a grocery store.

• Do this same technique for the Laundry Room/Area, Linen Closets, Storage Shelves, Utility Rooms, etc.

• Consider leasing a storage unit to declutter your space.

• Meet with your realtor to discuss current market conditions, suggested listing/sales price, and marketing strategies.

1-4 Weeks Away

• Have your entire home deep cleaned. Consider hiring a professional cleaner.

• Powerwash the exterior of your house, walkway, patios, driveway, etc.

• Clean windows, inside and out.

• Recaulk around exterior trim if necessary.

• Get gardens refreshed by trimming bushes & trees, recutting borders for garden beds, and laying down fresh mulch.

• Get the HVAC system checked and if needed, serviced.

• Buy new towels for Bathrooms, Powder Room, and Kitchen in a neutral color to give fresh look.

• Use neutral bedding. Buy inexpensive bedding if necessary to refresh the rooms.

• Meet with your Realtor to schedule photography, sign installation, lockbox installation, and assign a showing schedule.