Prepare Your House For Sale Checklist

Part 2: The Interior of your Home

1. Whole House Improvements

THOROUGHLY CLEAN ENTIRE HOME!

[  ] Clean windows & screens.
[  ] Clean curtains, drapes, & blinds.
[  ] Clean carpets. If pet stains exist replace carpet & pad.
[  ] Clean & wax wood floors.
[  ] Clean vinyl & ceramic floors.
[  ] Clean, paint, replace all vent covers.
[  ] Clean, polish, paint/stain wood trim in home.
[  ] Be sure to remove pet & smoke odour when cleaning. Smell is a huge part of what buyers remember about your home.
[  ] Remove wallpaper & borders (this is a personal taste & buyers see work when they see wallpaper).
[  ] Freshly paint home using neutral paint colours. This will match the buyers furnishings.
[  ] Repair damages to walls & ceilings. Includes: holes, cracks, & water stains. Repaint after repair.
*Make House Light & Bright!*
[  ] Clean all lamp shades & covers.
[  ] Replace bulbs with high wattage bulbs.
[  ] Clean windows & screens.

2. Closets

[  ] Remove out of season clothing from closets.
[  ] Leave only a few items on the floor of closets.
[  ] Add extra, empty hangers.
[  ] Neatly arrange items on shelving.
[  ] Leave extra space on shelves.

3. Pay Attention to the Little Things

[  ] Tighten loose door knobs.
[  ] Fix any leaky faucets.
[  ] Tighten loose towel racks.
[  ] Oil any squeaky doors or drawers.
[  ] Arrange furniture to give an open feel. Remove any unnecessary or oversized furniture.
[  ] Make sure all switches & outlets are clean & working properly.
[  ] Place fresh flower arrangements throughout home.
[  ] Make sure windows open & close without squeaking.
[  ] Hide Prescription medication. Theft of these items is rising.

4. Kitchen & Baths

[  ] Thoroughly clean all counter tops, appliances, mirrors, ovens, sinks, toilets, tub, & shower walls.
[  ] Store small appliances to open up counter space.
[  ] Clear off vanity counter tops & store all personal care items neatly.
[  ] Clean ventilating hood & exhaust fans.
[  ] Remove rust stains.
[  ] New knobs on drawers & cabinets make a difference.
[  ] Clean & organize drawers, cabinets, & linen closets.
[  ] Clean all tile grout & caulk. (Suggest Clorox Bleach Pen & Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, or similar product). Re-caulk areas that cannot be cleaned.

5. Garage, Basement, Attic, & Storage Areas

[  ] Dispose of everything you are not going to move.
[  ] Arrange items neatly & clutter free.
[  ] Consider painting walls & ceilings white.
[  ] Remove stains & dirt from floor.
[  ] Paints floors gray.
[  ] Organize garden tools & equipment.
[  ] Wipe off dirt/cob webs from water heater, furnace, washer & dryer.
[  ] Cure water problems in basement. Seek professional advice if needed.

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