Checklist for Getting Your Home Ready to Sell

The following is a checklist that you can use to assist you in preparing your home.

Check the OutsidePaint: Few things you do will enhance the salability of your house quite as much as painting the outside. You may not need to paint your home, often pressure washing algae and dirt will do. Also repair gutters and down spouts, replace wood showing dry rot (especially wood, trim).

Front Entry: First impressions do make a difference! Pay special attention to your entryway and the image it creates. Make sure that the woodwork is clean and/or freshly painted. This is especially true for your front door. Make sure that your front doorbell is in working condition. Polish any door brass. Don’t forget about your mailbox. Put out a new front door mat or make sure it is clean.  

Yard: Mow and trim the lawn. Weed flowerbeds that are closest to your front door and driveway. Remove or replace any dead shrubs or flowers. Water regularly especially while your home is on the market. Many buyers first drive-by the properties and select those houses that they have an interest in.

Driveway, garage/carport: Make sure that the garage door opens freely, and if you have an automatic door opener, make sure it's in good working order. Clean up any grease or oil spots on the driveway or in the garage. If you cannot remove the spots try to clean any standing "fresh" oil. Cat litter is a simple and effective way to minimize any oil stain.

Air Conditioners: Make sure that all A/C hoses are properly insulated. If possible, paint or replace any rusted exposed metal.  

Swimming pool: Make sure that you adjust your pool chemicals until the pool sparkles. Spray down your filtration equipment and remove dust and debris. Remove and store any extra pool chemicals and pool cleaning equipment. Make sure that pool safety gates are working properly.