PRE-LISTING CHECKLIST

Preparing your home before listing can make the process smoother, help your home photograph better, and give buyers a stronger first impression.

1. START WITH THE BASICS

•  Decide on your ideal listing timeline

•  Speak with your real estate agent about pricing strategy

•  Review recent comparable home sales

•  Discuss any major repairs or improvements before listing

•  Gather mortgage payoff information, if needed

•  Locate your property survey, if available

•  Gather HOA documents and contact information

•  Gather utility information

•  Locate warranties for major systems and appliances

•  Gather permits or documentation for renovations and additions

•  Make a list of improvements completed during your ownership

•  Prepare a list of items that will remain with the home

•  Decide whether any fixtures or items will be excluded from the sale

•  Locate extra keys, remotes, garage door openers and access codes

2. DECLUTTER

•  Remove excess furniture

•  Clear countertops in the kitchen

•  Clear bathroom countertops

•  Remove excess décor

•  Pack away personal collections

•  Remove stacks of mail and paperwork

•  Organize bookshelves

•  Reduce items displayed on open shelving

•  Clear nightstands

•  Remove clutter from bedroom dressers

•  Clean out entryways

•  Organize coat closets

•  Organize bedroom closets

•  Organize pantry shelves

•  Organize kitchen cabinets buyers may open

•  Organize bathroom cabinets

•  Organize laundry room storage

•  Organize garage storage

•  Remove unnecessary items from basement or attic

•  Donate, sell or discard items you no longer need

•  Consider renting a storage unit if needed

3. DEPERSONALIZE

•  Remove excessive family photos

•  Remove highly personal décor

•  Remove children's names from bedroom walls if desired

•  Remove valuables from display

•  Store medications securely

•  Store important paperwork securely

•  Remove calendars displaying personal schedules

•  Remove political or potentially distracting décor

•  Create neutral spaces that allow buyers to picture themselves living in the home

4. COMPLETE MINOR REPAIRS

Walk through the home as if you were seeing it for the first time.

•  Repair dripping faucets

•  Repair running toilets

•  Fix slow drains

•  Repair loose cabinet hardware

•  Tighten loose door handles

•  Repair doors that stick

•  Repair damaged screens

•  Replace torn or damaged blinds

•  Repair loose railings

•  Repair damaged trim

•  Patch nail holes

•  Patch drywall damage

•  Touch up chipped paint

•  Repair cracked caulk

•  Replace damaged outlet or switch covers

•  Secure loose outlets or switches

•  Replace missing light bulbs

•  Make sure all interior lights work

•  Make sure exterior lights work

•  Check ceiling fans

•  Repair squeaky doors

•  Lubricate sticking locks

•  Repair loose towel bars

•  Repair loose toilet paper holders

•  Repair damaged flooring where practical

•  Repair obvious trip hazards

•  Check garage door operation

•  Make sure exterior gates open and latch correctly

5. REFRESH PAINT & WALLS

•  Touch up scuffed walls

•  Touch up baseboards

•  Touch up doors and trim

•  Repaint heavily worn rooms if needed

•  Consider neutralizing unusually bold paint colors

•  Remove damaged wallpaper if practical

•  Repair obvious wall damage

•  Remove wall decals if they make the room feel overly personalized

•  Clean fingerprints from doors and walls

•  Clean around light switches

6. DEEP CLEAN THE INTERIOR

Throughout the Home

•  Dust ceiling fans

•  Dust light fixtures

•  Dust blinds

•  Clean windows

•  Clean window tracks

•  Clean window sills

•  Wash interior doors

•  Clean door frames

•  Wipe baseboards

•  Dust vents and registers

•  Clean air return vents

•  Clean switch plates

•  Clean outlet covers

•  Vacuum carpet thoroughly

•  Shampoo carpets if needed

•  Mop hard flooring

•  Clean grout

•  Remove cobwebs

•  Clean mirrors

•  Remove pet hair

•  Address lingering odors

Kitchen

•  Clean refrigerator exterior

•  Clean inside refrigerator if it will remain

•  Clean oven

•  Clean stovetop

•  Clean microwave

•  Clean dishwasher exterior

•  Clean cabinet fronts

•  Clean cabinet hardware

•  Clean backsplash

•  Clean sink and faucet

•  Polish stainless-steel appliances

•  Clean range hood

•  Empty trash

•  Remove magnets and papers from refrigerator

Bathrooms

•  Scrub tubs and showers

•  Clean shower doors

•  Remove soap scum

•  Clean grout

•  Clean toilets thoroughly

•  Clean sinks and faucets

•  Polish mirrors

•  Clean vanity cabinets

•  Replace worn shower curtains

•  Remove excess toiletries

•  Replace heavily worn bath mats

7. CHECK FOR ODORS

•  Empty all trash cans

•  Clean garbage disposal

•  Clean pet areas

•  Wash pet bedding

•  Clean litter boxes

•  Address smoke odors

•  Address cooking odors

•  Clean carpets if needed

•  Clean upholstery if needed

•  Check basement or crawl space for musty odors

•  Avoid heavy fragrances that may overwhelm buyers

A clean, neutral-smelling home is usually better than trying to cover odors with candles or air fresheners.

8. PREPARE THE KITCHEN

•  Clear most items from countertops

•  Store small appliances you rarely use

•  Remove excess dishes and cookware

•  Organize pantry shelves

•  Organize visible cabinets

•  Remove items from the top of cabinets

•  Remove refrigerator magnets and personal photos

•  Replace burned-out appliance bulbs

•  Make sure all appliances are clean

•  Check under the sink for leaks

•  Remove old cleaning supplies

•  Replace worn kitchen towels

•  Consider adding one simple decorative item, such as a bowl of fruit or vase

9. PREPARE THE BATHROOMS

•  Remove medications

•  Store toothbrushes and personal care products

•  Clear vanity countertops

•  Organize cabinets

•  Remove excess towels

•  Display clean coordinating towels

•  Remove worn bath mats

•  Replace old shower liners

•  Repair damaged caulk

•  Check toilets for leaks

•  Check under sinks for leaks

•  Clean exhaust fans

•  Make sure every light works

•  Remove toilet brushes, plungers and cleaning supplies from view

10. PREPARE BEDROOMS

•  Make beds with clean bedding

•  Remove excess pillows and blankets

•  Clear nightstands

•  Remove laundry

•  Organize closets

•  Remove excess furniture if rooms feel crowded

•  Hide cords and chargers

•  Clean under beds

•  Remove personal items from dressers

•  Make children's rooms neat and easy to navigate

•  Replace burned-out bulbs

11. PREPARE LIVING SPACES

•  Remove excess furniture

•  Arrange furniture to improve traffic flow

•  Clean upholstery

•  Hide cords

•  Remove excess toys

•  Organize entertainment centers

•  Remove oversized collections

•  Clean fireplace

•  Clean fireplace glass

•  Dust mantels and shelves

•  Replace damaged throw pillows if needed

•  Use simple décor to help rooms feel spacious

12. PREPARE CLOSETS & STORAGE AREAS

Buyers will likely look inside closets and storage spaces.

•  Remove items you no longer use

•  Pack seasonal clothing

•  Organize shoes

•  Remove items from closet floors where possible

•  Organize shelves

•  Remove overstuffed storage bins

•  Organize linen closets

•  Organize pantry storage

•  Organize utility closets

•  Organize attic access areas

•  Make storage spaces feel usable rather than overloaded

13. PREPARE THE LAUNDRY ROOM

•  Clear countertops

•  Organize detergents and supplies

•  Remove laundry piles

•  Clean washer

•  Clean dryer

•  Clean lint trap

•  Clean around and behind appliances if accessible

•  Check washing machine hoses

•  Clean utility sink

•  Repair shelving if needed

14. PREPARE THE GARAGE

•  Remove trash

•  Donate or discard unused items

•  Organize tools

•  Organize storage shelves

•  Store chemicals safely

•  Sweep floors

•  Remove oil stains if possible

•  Replace burned-out bulbs

•  Make sure garage doors operate properly

•  Locate garage door remotes

•  Make sure buyers can see the size and functionality of the garage

15. IMPROVE CURB APPEAL

The exterior is often the buyer's first impression.

•  Mow lawn

•  Edge sidewalks and driveway

•  Trim shrubs

•  Trim tree branches where needed

•  Remove dead plants

•  Pull weeds

•  Add fresh mulch if needed

•  Remove leaves and debris

•  Clean flower beds

•  Plant seasonal flowers if appropriate

•  Pressure wash driveway if needed

•  Pressure wash sidewalks

•  Pressure wash porch

•  Clean exterior siding if needed

•  Clean gutters

•  Make sure downspouts are attached

•  Clean exterior windows

•  Clean front door

•  Touch up front door paint

•  Clean porch lights

•  Replace burned-out exterior bulbs

•  Replace badly worn welcome mat

•  Remove excess porch décor

•  Make sure house numbers are visible

•  Remove trash cans from view

•  Coil or store garden hoses neatly

•  Remove unused planters

•  Repair loose porch railings

•  Repair damaged fencing

•  Make sure gates open and close properly

16. CHECK THE ROOF & EXTERIOR

•  Visually inspect roof for missing or damaged shingles

•  Look for loose gutters

•  Check exterior trim

•  Check siding for damage

•  Check exterior caulking

•  Check foundation for obvious concerns

•  Make sure crawl-space access is accessible

•  Make sure exterior HVAC units are clear of debris

•  Trim vegetation away from the house

•  Address obvious wood rot if present

•  Remove wasp nests or other pest issues

17. PREPARE OUTDOOR LIVING AREAS

•  Clean patio

•  Clean deck

•  Clean outdoor furniture

•  Remove damaged furniture

•  Arrange seating neatly

•  Clean grill exterior

•  Store unnecessary lawn equipment

•  Remove children's toys from scattered areas

•  Clean pool, if applicable

•  Organize pool equipment

•  Clean firepit area

•  Repair loose deck boards or railings

•  Make outdoor spaces feel usable and inviting

18. PET PREPARATION

•  Make a plan for pets during showings

•  Remove pet waste from yard

•  Clean litter boxes regularly

•  Store pet food neatly

•  Remove excess pet toys

•  Clean pet bedding

•  Repair visible pet damage

•  Remove pet hair from furniture

•  Address pet odors

•  Make sure agents know if animals will remain in the home

19. SAFETY & SYSTEM CHECK

•  Test smoke detectors

•  Test carbon monoxide detectors

•  Replace detector batteries if needed

•  Check fire extinguishers

•  Replace HVAC filter

•  Check for visible plumbing leaks

•  Check water heater area

•  Make sure electrical panel is accessible

•  Make sure attic access is accessible

•  Make sure crawl-space access is accessible

•  Check GFCI outlets

•  Make sure all locks work

•  Check windows for proper operation

•  Check doors for proper operation

20. GATHER PROPERTY INFORMATION

Have these details available for your agent when possible.

•  Average electric bill

•  Average gas bill

•  Average water bill

•  Trash service information

•  Internet provider information

•  HOA dues

•  HOA contact information

•  HOA rules or covenants

•  Septic information

•  Septic pumping records

•  Well information

•  Termite bond information

•  Pest-control records

•  HVAC service records

•  Roof age

•  Water heater age

•  HVAC age

•  Appliance ages

•  Survey

•  Floor plan, if available

•  Home warranty information

•  Transferable warranties

21. DISCUSS DISCLOSURES WITH YOUR AGENT

Make your agent aware of known issues or past repairs.

•  Roof leaks or repairs

•  Plumbing leaks

•  Water intrusion

•  Foundation repairs

•  Termite or pest history

•  Mold remediation

•  Insurance claims

•  HVAC problems

•  Electrical repairs

•  Septic issues

•  Well issues

•  Structural changes

•  Previous additions or renovations

•  Property-line disputes

•  Easements

•  HOA issues

•  Any other known material concerns

22. PREPARE FOR LISTING PHOTOS

Before photography day:

•  Complete deep cleaning

•  Remove vehicles from driveway

•  Hide trash cans

•  Remove garden hoses

•  Put away pet bowls

•  Remove pet crates when possible

•  Hide litter boxes

•  Clear countertops

•  Remove bathroom toiletries

•  Close toilet lids

•  Make all beds

•  Open curtains and blinds

•  Replace burned-out bulbs

•  Turn on all interior lights

•  Turn off ceiling fans

•  Remove refrigerator magnets

•  Remove visible cords

•  Hide remotes

•  Remove excess children's toys

•  Clear bedside tables

•  Straighten pillows and bedding

•  Fluff sofa cushions

•  Remove dish towels from appliance handles

•  Remove drying racks

•  Empty sinks

•  Clear exterior porches and patios

23. PLAN FOR SHOWINGS

•  Decide where pets will go during showings

•  Create a quick-clean routine

•  Keep beds made daily

•  Keep dishes out of the sink

•  Keep counters clear

•  Keep laundry contained

•  Empty trash regularly

•  Keep floors clean

•  Keep bathrooms tidy

•  Keep pet areas clean

•  Keep valuables secured

•  Keep medications secured

•  Keep sensitive paperwork out of sight

•  Decide which lights should remain on

•  Make sure showing instructions are clear

•  Discuss minimum showing notice with your agent

24. BEFORE THE LISTING GOES LIVE

•  Confirm list price

•  Review listing description

•  Review property details for accuracy

•  Confirm bedroom and bathroom count

•  Confirm square footage information

•  Review inclusions and exclusions

•  Review showing instructions

•  Confirm preferred showing notice

•  Review photography

•  Review marketing plan

•  Confirm sign installation

•  Confirm lockbox installation

•  Provide spare key

•  Confirm open house plans, if applicable

•  Make sure required listing paperwork is complete

•  Confirm seller disclosure documents are complete

•  Make sure your home is ready for the first showing

FINAL WALK-THROUGH BEFORE YOU LIST

Stand outside and walk through your home as though you are a buyer seeing it for the first time.

•  Does the front entrance feel welcoming?

•  Does the home smell clean?

•  Do rooms feel bright?

•  Do rooms feel spacious?

•  Are countertops mostly clear?

•  Are closets reasonably organized?

•  Are floors clean?

•  Are bathrooms sparkling?

•  Are beds made?

•  Are personal belongings minimized?

•  Are minor repairs complete?

•  Is the yard maintained?

•  Are pets and pet-related items under control?

•  Are valuables and documents secured?

•  Is the home ready for a buyer to walk through today?

REMEMBER

You do not have to make your home perfect before selling. The goal is to make it clean, maintained, welcoming and easy for buyers to picture as their own.

Focus first on the items that have the greatest impact: cleaning, decluttering, repairs, curb appeal and presentation.