Home Seller's Checklist

While much of this information is similar to the information provided in "Selling Fundamentals", it's my hope that it gives you some added insight--and an easy to follow Checklist.

It's been said that "You never get a second chance to make a good first impression."  This is especially true when it comes to impressing Buyer's--and critical if you're going to sell your home in the shortest time possible and at the highest possible price.  To that end, I hope you'll find the following checklist helpful. Since Buyers are already forming an opinion as they approach the home, it's important to start with the landscaping and entry.

Landscaping:

*  Make sure the lawn and plants have been properly watered

*  Mow the lawn and re-seed or sod--if necessary

*  Trim hedges, prune trees & shrubs

*  Weed and mulch flower beds with fresh bark

*  Make sure plants are trimmed at least 4-6" away from the house

*  Yard and driveway should be uncluttered by toys etc

Driveway & Sidewalks:

*  Repair concrete or blacktop as necessary

*  Pressure wash concrete to remove grime and mildew

Entry:

*  The porch and entry should be uncluttered and inviting

*  Check condition of front door and door hardware.  Paint if needed

Walls & Ceilings:

*  Check condition of paint & wallpaper.  Touch-up and/or paint as needed

*  Review wall colors.  Too many dark walls make a room feel smaller

*  Repair cracks, holes and/or damage plaster or wallboard

Home Decor & Furniture:

*   Remove and/or significantly reduce family photos etc.  It takes a Buyer's mind away from the home

*  Try not to over-decorate.  It's important that Buyer's see themselves in the home--not you

*  Remove any furniture that makes the room feel small

*  Move any furniture or decor that blocks access to a room

Floors:

*  Inspect for creaking boards, loose or missing tile & worn areas

*  Touch-up baseboards and molding

*  Check carpet cleanliness.  Professionally clean as needed

Windows & Doors:

*  Check for smooth operation & fix doors or windows that stick

*  Replace broken or cracked window panes

*  Check condition of weatherstripping & caulking

*  Repair glazing

*  Check paint for possible touch-up

*  Test doorbell & chimes

*  Test security system

*  Wash windows, window tracks & woodwork

Bathrooms:

*  Check tile joints, grout & caulking

*  Remove mildew

*  Repair leaking faucets & shower heads

*  Confirm toilet operates properly & make sure it's  attached securely to the floor

*  Check condition of paint and/or wallpaper

*  Make sure toilet seats are always down

*  Remove clutter such as shampoo bottles & other toiletries from counters and shower/tub

Kitchen:

*  Clean all appliances

*  Remove accumulation of grease or dust from tile, walls & floors

*  Clean vent and/or exhaust fan

*  Minimized countertop clutter

*  Clean & organize pantry

*  Make sure garbage cans are out of sight

Homes with Basements:

*  Remove clutter

*  Check for signs of dampness, musty odors, cracked walls or damaged floors

*  Inspect structural beams

*  Check pipes for leaks

Electrical Systems:

*  Check exposed wiring and outlets for signs of wear or damage

*  Repair broken switches & outlets

*  Label each circuit or fuse at the electrical panel

*  Replace any burned-out light bulbs

Plumbing Systems:

*  Check water pressure when taps in bathrooms & kitchen are all turned on

*  Look for leaks at faucets & sink traps

*  Clear slow drains

Heating & Cooling Systems

*  Change or clean furnace filters

*  Clear areas around furnace

*  Change or clean air-conditioning filter

*  Trim shrubs around heat pumps or air-conditioner

Roof & Gutters:

*  Repair or replace loose, damaged or blistered shingles

*  Clean gutters & downspout strainers

*  Check gutters for leaks & proper alignment

*  Inspect flashings around roof stacks, vents, skylights & chimney

*  Clear obstructions from vents, louvers & chimney

*  Check fascias & soffits for decay or peeling paint

*  Inspect masonry chimney for loose or missing mortar

Exterior Walls:

*  Re-nail loose siding & check for warping or decay

*  Paint siding--if necessary

*  Repair/replace loose or missing caulking

*  Check masonry walls walls for cracks and/or other damage

Garage:

*  Remove excess clutter

*  Lubricate hinges and check other hardware for garage door

*  Inspect doors and windows for peeling paint

*  Check condition of glazing around all windows

*  Test electrical outlets

Foundation & Crawl Space:

*  Remove debris from crawl space & check plastic sheeting for tears and proper coverage

*  Check crawl space for moisture

*  Check foundation, steps, retaining walls, walkways & patios for cracks, heaving or crumbling

What To Do Prior To A Showing:

*  Turn off TV's and have soft music playing

*  Turn lights on and open window coverings to maximize light

*  Clean countertops & remove clutter

*  Toilet seats down

*  Laundry put away

*  Garbage cans out of sight

*  Minimal evidence of pets

*  Remove dogs

*  In the winter...turn on gas fireplace

*  Remove business cards from prior showings

*  Leave the home--giving the Buyer a chance to view the home completely

*  If you can't leave the home...let the agent know, then try to confine yourself to a particular part of the home--preferably an area that will require minimal review from the Buyer