Prep Your Home to Sell

Table of Contents

Landscaping

  • Mow the lawn, edge walkways, and trim hedges.

  • Weed and mulch garden beds for a fresh, clean look.

  • Plant seasonal flowers for pops of color.

  • Remove any dead plants or debris.

  • Pressure wash driveways and patios.

  • Repair or remove any damaged fences or gates.

Pro Tip: You never get a second chance to make a first impression. This is especially true for your home’s curb appeal. Make sure your landscaping is well-maintained, your paint is fresh, and your front door is inviting.

Exterior

  • Pressure wash the exterior of the house.

  • Replace any damaged or missing shingles.

  • Replace broken windows, shutters, screens, and door frames.

  • Clean garage doors and organize the garage.

  • Touch up paint on the exterior of the home and front door.

  • Clean gutters and downspouts.

  • Ensure all exterior lights are working.

Living Room

  • Declutter and depersonalize.

  • Clean and dust thoroughly.

  • Consider fresh paint in neutral tones.

  • Clean curtains, drapes, and windowsills.

  • Remove excess furniture and clutter.

  • Ensure all lights and lamps work.

Kitchen & Dining

  • Clean and organize cabinets and drawers.

  • Deep clean appliances.

  • Clear the fridge of magnets and photos.

  • Clear countertops of clutter.

  • Remove extra chairs (4–6 maximum).

  • Remove any pet food and water dishes.

Pro Tip: Stage your home to show it at its best. This means decluttering, depersonalizing, and making sure your home is clean and tidy. You want potential buyers to be able to see themselves living in your home.

Bedrooms

  • Declutter and depersonalize. Remove personal photos and excess décor.

  • Consider fresh paint in neutral tones.

  • Clean curtains, drapes, and windowsills.

  • Organize closets. Aim for a half-empty look.

  • Replace bedspreads and pillow shams if worn or faded with neutral linens.

  • Clean and dust thoroughly, including ceiling fans.

Bathrooms

  • Deep clean toilets, sinks, and showers/tubs.

  • Fix any leaky faucets or running toilets.

  • Remove rust and mildew stains.

  • Replace bad caulking around sinks and bathtub/shower.

  • Organize cabinets and remove items from countertops.

Day of Showing: Best Tips

  • Open all blinds and curtains.

  • Turn on all lights and lamps, even during the day.

  • Wipe down countertops and surfaces.

  • Make all beds.

  • Take out all trash.

  • Spot clean floors, especially in high-traffic areas.

  • Remove pets from the property if possible. If not, secure them and store away pet toys and bowls.

  • Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature.

Day of Showing

Best Tips

  • Open all blinds and curtains.

  • Turn on all the lights and lamps even during the day. Wipe down countertops and surfaces.

  • Make all beds.

  • Take out all trash.

  • Spot clean floors, especially in high-traffic areas. Remove pets from the property (if possible). If not, secure the pet. Store away pet toys & bowls. Set the thermostat to a comfy temperature

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