Repair and Cleaning Checklist

Front Door:

• Newly painted
• Doorbell operating
• Door brass polished
• Hinges oiled
• Exterior of House:
• House recently painted
• Gutters recently cleaned
• Exterior lights operating
• Missing shingles replaced
• Moss removed from roof

Driveway:

• Resurfaced
• Potholes patched
• Recently sealed

Patios:

• Wood stained or painted
• Fencing secure

Lawn:

• Lawn in good condition
• Grass mowed
• Edges trimmed
• Trees/Shrubs:
• Dead branches pruned
• Dead shrubs replaced
• Overgrown shrubs pruned

Entry:

• Entry lights operating
• Floors cleaned
• Closet cleaned
• Closet light operating

Living Room:

• Recently painted
• Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
• Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
• Wallpaper secured
• Woodwork repainted
• Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned
• Drapes/blinds opened
• Carpets cleaned
• Furniture positioned to show space

Kitchen:

• Sink free of stains
• No dripping faucets
• Appliances in good working order
• Walls, cabinets free of stains
• Countertops cleared and cleaned
• Pantry neatly arranged
• Pantry hardware replaced
• Refrigerator defrosted

Family Room:

• Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
• Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
• Wallpaper secured
• Woodwork repainted
• Windows washed
• Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned
• Windows operating freely
• Drapes/blinds opened
• Carpets cleaned
• Hobby supplies put away

Bedrooms:

• Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
• Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
• Wallpaper secured
• Woodwork repaired
• Windows washed
• Curtains/drapes/blinds cleaned
• Floor waxed/refinished
• Carpets cleaned
• Beds made
• Laundry put away
• Floor free from clutter

Basement:

• Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
• No evidence of water penetration
• Dampness removed
• Cold water pipes covered
• Dehumidifier installed
• Sump pump installed
• No musty odors
• Drains cleared
• Furnace cleaned
• Storage neatly arranged
• Excess storage removed
• Floor swept
• Light fixtures operating
• Handrail secure
• Stairway runner secure

Windows:

• Window trims painted
• Windows operating freely
• Cracked windowpanes replaced
• Windows washed

Dining Room:

• Cracks in ceiling/walls repaired
• Leaks repaired & watermarks covered
• Wallpaper secured
• Woodwork repaired
• Windows washed
• Drapes/blinds open to view
• Floor waxed/refinished
• Carpets cleaned

Bathrooms:

• Sink stains removed
• Leaky faucets repaired
• Grouting stains removed
• All joints caulked
• Missing tiles replaced
• All fixtures operating
• Floors cleaned
• New shower curtain
• All supplies stored
• Guest towels

Seller Advice:

The effort put into repairing and cleaning your property is likely to be returned in a fast sale at an attractive price.

As buyers approach your property the first time, impressions are formed quickly.

• Paint house – this can do more for sales appeal than any other factor.
• Yard – Remove all toys, garbage, garden tools and other items from view.
• Mow lawn and keep edged.
• Close garage doors.
• Put colorful flowers in front of house.
• Often, while waiting to be let in, the first thing a buyer looks at closely is the front door.
• Put new paint on the front door.
• Buy a new door mat.
• Buyers take a close look at the basement of a home. They will look for bad wiring, leaky pipes and signs of decay.
• Clean out basement and dispose of everything you are not going to move.
• Ensure that there is plenty of lighting.
• Sweep or vacuum floor.
• Stack items neatly against walls.

The kitchen is the most important room in the house:

• Make it bright and attractive.
• Put a vase of fresh flowers on the table.
• Replace curtains or clean existing ones.
• Remove appliances from counters.
• Create a pleasant fragrance in the kitchen (i.e. vanilla, cinnamon).
• It is important that bathrooms are clean, bright and smell fresh.
• Install a new shower curtain and replace worn throw rugs.
• Polish all fixtures.
• Open windows.
• Hang bright, fresh towels.
• Remove stains from toilets and bathtubs.
• Use air freshener.
• Display colorful soaps.

The living room:

• Clean out the fireplace and place logs in it.
• Polish all woodwork.
• Put big furniture in storage so rooms are not cluttered or crowded.

Before Your House Is Shown:

• Tag or remove items not included in sale (i.e. water conditioner, chandeliers, plants, drapes).
• Open shades and curtains to let in light.
• Turn on enough lights so home is well-lit during showing.
• At night, turn on porch light and outdoor lighting.
• Tidy all the rooms. Neatness makes a room easier to view.
• Clean dirty dishes in the sink and put away any dishes on counter.
• Keep toys in the children’s rooms.
• Put away items in the yard such as bicycles, gardening tools and skateboards.
• If fall or winter, light a fire in the fireplace.

While Your House Is Being Shown

• When possible, leave while the property is shown. If not, remain in an area not being shown by the sales associate.
• Let the real estate expert show your house. Answer questions candidly when asked, but avoid questioning potential buyers.
• Refer inquiries about seeing your house to your Realtor to take advantage of the agent’s professional skills in selling your home.
• Don’t mention items you wish to dispose of unless asked.
• It is best to be away when your agent is holding an open house.
• Keep pets outdoors or in one area.
• Keep children quiet and in one area.
• Keep radio, stereo or TV on low volume.
• Keep money and other valuable items out of sight.