Seller's Checklist
De-Clutter:
Review your home. Throw away, store away. Then do it again.
Organize:
Review. Throw away, store away, remove, and tidy. Everything.
Clean:
Deep clean from top to bottom. Windows, upholstery, carpet, refrigerator, and oven - yes, buyers open them. Vacuum and wipe down everything. Empty trash daily.
Paint:
The least expensive, most effective thing you can do in addition to cleaning and organizing is paint. A fresh coat in a neutral color can enhance your property.
Brighten:
Light equals space. Prior to showings, wash windows, raise blinds, and turn on lights. Add lamps to brighten dark rooms or corners.
Repair:
Make simple repairs such as paint and spackling touch ups, replace light bulbs, cracked windows, and fix leaky faucets.
Maintain:
Keep your front entrance and lawn neat and inviting with potted plants.
Remove:
Any personal property not included in the sale should be removed including lighting, window treatments, and pets; as well as all pet bowls and litter boxes.
Inspect:
Hire a professional, licensed inspector prior to putting your home on the market to find and eliminate potential problems before they become a buyer’s issue.
Disclose:
By law, sellers must disclose existing structural and mechanical problems, flooding and other defects. Withholding this information can lead to litigation after the close of the sale.