DESTINY REAL ESTATE “Show and Sell” Checklist

Everyone wants the best possible price for their property, but it doesn’t happen without some effort.  Start by making sure your property looks its best, inside and out.  While all the points may not apply to you, this checklist will help you develop an eye for the most attractive aspects of your house and make a lasting impression.

Before You release the home onto the Market and begin showing

 Ask your real estate professional to take a walk through your house and offer suggestions on how to make it show best. There’s simply no better source of ideas for making a house more marketable.

Exterior

  • Scrape & touch up siding
  • Repaint or touch up trim
  • Clean & repair gutters and downspouts
  • Repair/repaint fences
  • Seal driveway
  • Remove oil stains from garage floor
  • Wash all windows
  • Remove all screens (windows look cleaner)
  • Trim trees, hedges, shrubs
  • Weed and feed lawn
  • Remove all clutter (garden tools, toys, etc.)

Entranceway

  • Check working order of doorbell and exterior light
  • Replace welcome mat
  • Repair/repaint storm door and/or front door
  • Clear interior entry of all clutter
  • Clear and clean out front hall closet

Living/Dining/Family/Bedrooms

  • Repaint or touch up walls and ceilings
  • Repair/replace old molding
  • Shampoo or replace carpet and/or wash and wax floors
  • Remove excess or unattractive furniture
  • Clean curtains, shutters, blinds, etc.
  • Clean fireplace, mantle, shelving
  • Replace old bedspreads

Kitchen/Baths

  • Repair or replace faucets and fixtures
  • Repaint or repaper walls
  • Thoroughly clean range/oven, refrigerator and other appliances
  • Clear out and clean cabinets, drawers, and medicine chests
  • Remove clutter from countertops
  • Clean or replace curtains
  • Grout tubs and showers
  • Replace old toilet seats and shower curtains

General

  • Replace burned-out light bulbs
  • Clear cobwebs from corners and doorways
  • Wash light switches, hand rails, and doorknobs
  • Clear and clean all closets
  • Add “welcoming” touches: potted plants, dried flowers, etc.

 
Before Every Showing or Open House
Exterior

  • Pick up tools and toys
  • Put garbage cans in garage
  • Close garage door
  • Park cars on street or around corner

Interior

  • Clear off all counters and table tops
  • Turn on all lights
  • Open shades and curtains
  • Put soft music on stereo
  • Give the house a pleasant aroma – fresh bread, fire in fireplace, etc.
  • Set dining room table
  • Make all beds
  • Set thermostat at comfortable temperature

House & Community Information (display in entranceway or another prominent place)

  • Paid utility bills
  • Current property tax receipts
  • Real estate listing sheet
  • Floor plan (if available)
  • List of upgrades you’ve put into the house (and dates, if available)
  • Map and/or list of community features and points of interest
  • Warranty information on appliances