Moving to a new home is exciting but preparing yours to sell can be overwhelming without a game plan. If you're considering listing yours in time for the spring market, you'll want to begin planning soon! Here's a checklist of general repairs and improvements to help you get started (downloadable version here.) If you have questions specific to your property and would like advice on getting your home ready to list, give me a call to talk about the best use of your time and money.
Home Selling Checklist
First Steps
❏ Check with your city to see if you need a pre-sale inspection. Schedule an inspection, if required.
❒ Make any mandatory repairs and reinspect, if your city requires it. Close out any permits.
❒ Connect with a real estate agent to discuss process, pricing, disclosures and listing contracts.
❒ Start purging! Donate unwanted items. Organize keepers in bins/boxes for easy moving.
Start Making Low-cost Improvements
❒ Paint, stain or replace your front door.
❒ Fix leaking or loose faucets or plumbing fixtures.
❒ Tighten or replace knobs. Oil squeaky doors.
❒ Repair old light fixtures and outlets.
❒ Remove excess wall decor, fill holes, repair cracks and paint.
❒ Declutter. Remove knick-knacks and small furniture pieces.
❒ Control pests problems. Hire a professional if need be. (Past infestations must be disclosed in writing.)
❒ Repair ripped screens and broken glass in windows.
❒ Remove old or broken window coverings (blinds, broken rods, outdated curtains).
❒ Replace dirty furnace filters.
❒ Clean gutters.
❒ Replace old or mismatched switch plates & outlet covers with new.
Plan for Bigger Projects
❒ Eliminate any eyesores (replace peeling linoleum floors, fix cracked steps, remove outdated wallpaper, etc.)
❒ Professionally clean newer carpeting. Replace old, or expose the hardwood.
❒ Selectively paint walls. Repair damaged walls and ceilings and paint neutral.
❒ Replace broken garage doors and openers.
❒ Restain or repaint decks and porches.
❒ Scrape and repaint peeling paint on trim and siding.
Finishing Touches
❒ Add pots of colorful (seasonal) plants to your front entry.
❒ Add new welcome mats.
❒ Replace all burned out lightbulbs.
❒ Clear off counter spaces and clean out closets.
❒ In warmer months, keep grass freshly cut. Weed, and trim hedges. Keep snow off walks and driveway in winter.
❒ Freshen your landscape with new mulch.
❒ Stage, especially main rooms (see tips on staging), or hire a professional home stager.
Clean!
❒ Deep clean kitchens appliances (in and around).
❒ Clean and declutter kitchen cabinets and under sinks in kitchen and bath.
❒ Clean all windows (inside and out). Hire a professional window cleaners if necessary.
❒ Scrub all bathtubs, sinks and tile to remove stains and soap scum.
❒ Polish stainless steel sinks and surfaces.
❒ Steam clean carpets (or replace).
❒ Dust off and clean out light fixtures. (Easy to overlook! Recheck for burned out bulbs.)
❒ Sweep garage floor and remove unused items (old cans or paint, etc.)
❒ Clean/dust all floors, walls, trim and window sills.
Additional Ideas to Add Value if Your Budget Allows
Update outdated HVAC systems.
Replace outdated kitchen appliances.
Consider adding a patio or deck if you don't have one.
Update light fixtures.
Replace shot windows or doors.
Add a kitchen backsplash.
Update bathrooms (replace outdated fixtures, replace older toilet with a low-flush, install new vanity countertop and freshen grout.)
Finish basement or attic space to add square footage.
Download a printable checklist here.
Heidi Swanson is a Realtor® based in St. Paul, Minnesota. She writes a blog to share information on a variety of real estate related topics including buying and selling, market conditions, homeownership trends and more. Reach her at heidi@lyndenrealty.com or 651-503-1540.