Home Preparation Checklist
To get the best return on your home, you need to make your home look its best.
Here’s the checklist that will help you do it.
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INTERIOR |
EXTERIOR |
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Floor Coverings (carpeting, tile, linoleum, hardwood, etc.) ¨ Dirt or stains? ¨ Excessive wear or damage? ¨ Area rugs clean and stain-free? Walls and Ceilings ¨ Dirt, fingerprints or other stains? ¨ Nail cracks or tape residue? ¨ Cracks, chips, water damage? ¨ Need for repainting or new wallpaper? ¨ Neutral, light colours for roomy environment? Doors ¨ Dirt, fingerprints or other stains? ¨ Need new paint? ¨ Open/close easily without squeaks? ¨ Latches/handles secure and working properly? Windows ¨ Glass sparkling clean; chip, paint and crack free? ¨ Open/close easily? ¨ Latches/handles/locks secure, working properly? ¨ Dirt and fingerprints on frames or sills? ¨ Screens clean and without holes? ¨ Storm windows in good condition? Window Coverings (curtains, drapes, blinds, etc.) ¨ Dirt or stains? ¨ Excessive wear or sun damage? ¨ Open/close easily; hardware working properly? Lighting (lighting makes a room feel more inviting) ¨ All bulbs working and proper wattage? ¨ Broken switches, exposed wiring? ¨ Table and floor lamps working properly? Pet Areas ¨ Clean, organized, odour-free? Entryways and Hallways ¨ Clean and free of clutter or obstructions? ¨ Welcome mat(s) clean and inviting? Closets and Storage Areas ¨ Clean and well organized? ¨ Clutter and excess junk removed? ¨ Clothes hung neatly and not jammed together? ¨ Shoes and boots neatly stored/stacked? Kitchen ¨ Every surface sparkling clean? ¨ Counter-tops organized, all but daily use appliances? ¨ Refrigerator spotless inside and out? ¨ Organized? Spoiled food discarded? ¨ Frost removed? Light bulbs working? (Buyers look!) ¨ Oven/stove-top clean? Burner trays cleaned? ¨ Sinks clean; faucets working properly and leak-free? ¨ Garbage disposal in good working condition? ¨ Cupboards/pantry spotless, organized? ¨ Dishwasher clean and stain-free? Living/Dining/Bedrooms/Den/Study ¨ Everything thoroughly vacuumed/dusted? ¨ Excess furniture removed for roomier atmosphere? ¨ Remaining furniture clean and in good repair? ¨ Wood and other surfaces clean and polished? ¨ Bookshelves neat, organized and clutter-free? ¨ Children’s games/toys stored neatly? ¨ Fragile items removed and stored? ¨ Smaller valuables removed/locked away? ¨ Window coverings open for views and sunlight? ¨ Mirrors clean and in good repair? ¨ Ashtrays cleaned and kept out of sight? ¨ Fireplace clean, logs/kindling stacked neatly? Bathrooms/Powder Room ¨ Every surface sparkling clean? ¨ Counter-tops organized, free of clutter? Fresh soap? ¨ Sinks spotlessly clean; faucets working properly? ¨ Tub and shower surfaces clean? ¨ Towels stain-free and hanging neatly? ¨ Shower curtain clean and in good repair? ¨ Toilet extra-clean and working properly? ¨ Closets organized and clutter-free? ¨ Medicine cabinet clean, “personal items” removed? Basement/Furnace Room/Garage/Attic/Storeroom ¨ Clean and well organized? ¨ Clutter and excess “junk” removed? ¨ Remaining items stored/stacked neatly? ¨ Everything thoroughly vacuumed/dusted?
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Structures ¨ Exterior surfaces clean, in good condition? ¨ Front door exterior clean, inviting? ¨ Eaves troughs and downspouts clean, in good repair? ¨ Gates open/close properly; hardware working? ¨ Fences/decks in good repair, in good condition? ¨ Sidewalks and walkways in good repair? ¨ Driveway clean, in good repair? Yard and Environment ¨ Driveways, sidewalks clear of snow, ice? ¨ Lawns mowed/edged regularly; large bare spots repaired? ¨ Leaves removed from lawns and flower beds? ¨ Trees pruned, hedges trimmed? ¨ Flower beds weeded and tidy; dead plants replaced? ¨ “Junk” and scrap removed? ¨ Lawn furniture clean, organized, good repair? ¨ Bicycles, children’s toys stored neatly, out of way? ¨ Firewood organized and neatly stacked? ¨ Yard free of “doggy deposits”?
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