FlatFee.com has made a quick check list for preparing your home and property for sale. Let us begin with the exterior of your home and property. It is first because you need to “WOW” your future buyer and that first impression goes a long way. Make simple and inexpensive repairs and cleanups first. Expensive repairs can be discussed when the for sale contract is negotiated. Simple cleaning and simple repairs are the easiest and usually the most rewarding ways to gain that “WOW” from your future buyers.

Exterior Preparation

  • Remove debris from the front yard
  • Fill pots with flowers / plant garden flowers
  • Mow / fertilize / water lawn
  • Weed yard / garden areas
  • Prune trees / bushes / hedges
  • Clean / repair / reseal driveway
  • Clean front steps / fill flower pots
  • Clean entryway / front door/ mailbox
  • Clean / repaint the front door / moldings
  • Repair broken windows / awnings / shutters / screens
  • Polish door handles / address numbers / fixtures / mail box
  • Clean debris from roof / gutters / downspouts
  • Refresh garden areas with mulch 
  • Replace burnt out light bulbs
  • Clean / replace welcome mat
  • Wash windows / awnings / shutters / screens
  • Remove debris from the back / side yards
  • Clean children’s playground / swing set / tool shed
  • Clean barbeque grill / lawn furniture
  • Repair cracks / clean / repaint patio /decks
  • Store away items that make the yard look cluttered
  • Repair sprinkler system / clean around pump area
  • Clean / repair pool pumps / filters / hot tub / saunas
  • Clean privacy walls / fences of stains
  • Clean pet areas
  • Clean / repaint rear entry door.

Interior Preparation

  • Remove excess furniture in any room
  • Remove excess collectibles / brick-a-brac
  • Remove excess photographs from tables
  • Clean closets / cabinets / make orderly
  • Clean basement / garage areas
  • Clean counters / tabletops
  • Clean kitchen appliances / washer / dryer
  • Clean entire bathroom / bathtubs / showers
  • Remove carpet stains / shampoo carpets
  • Clean ceiling fans / dust photo frames / collectables
  • Remove cobwebs from ceilings
  • Clean fireplace / mantel
  • Clean drapes / blinds / shutters
  • Wash pets / clean litter box
  • Add fresh scent with potpourri / plug-ins

Extra Preparation

  • Repair / replace worn roof shingles
  • Pressure wash / paint exterior if needed
  • Caulk windows inside / outside
  • Fix / replace ceiling fans / light fixtures
  • Clean floor tile grouting
  • Pressure wash / reseal paver driveway
  • Repair foundation for cracks
  • Caulk  tubs / showers / sinks
  • Make sure toilets / faucets work well
  • Install new carpeting if needed
  • Touch up / repaint walls in need in a  neutral color
  • Replace wall switches / outlets that do not work

Remember that cleaning goes a long way toward making buyers feel better about the home that they may purchase.

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