Ready to sell?
prepare
Selling your home is an important decision. Below are some helpful tips to get you started. After you've made basic repairs, the task of selling your home boils down to making the house as clean, clutter-free, and inviting as possible. Go through this checklist at least every other day to make sure that your home is tidy.
front entrance
Clean doors and windows - Sweep sidewalk - Polish doorknob - Shake out doormat - Water flowers (replace if necessary) - Clean doors and windows - Keep the lawn and landscaping neat and trimmed.
entryway
Clean doors and windows - Mop floor, shake out rug, vacuum carpeting - Water flowers or plants (replace if necessary) - Dust shelves or entry table - Tidy up closet.
living room
Stow away newspapers, magazines, books, games, toys, and videos - Straighten out coffee table, bookshelves, and other areas - clean wood floors or vacuum rugs - Vacuum upholstered furniture; wipe down leather or vinyl - Dust surfaces (including TV screen) - Sweep fireplace - Wipe down ceiling fan blades if applicable.
Kitchen
Clean floor - Clean appliances - Wipe countertops, cabinets - Clean sink - Stow away kitchen countertop appliances, sponge and dish towels - Open windows or run fan to remove cooking odors.
bathrooms
Wipe wet shower stalls and bathtubs - clean floors - Put out fresh towels - Empty wastebaskets - Clean sinks, mirrors and faucets - Stow away all laundry.
bedrooms
Make beds - Clean floors or vacuum rugs - Stow away shoes, laundry, clothes, books or toys - Open curtains or shades - Tidy up closet.
Office
Straighten out desk and bookshelves - Stow away files - Mop floor or vacuum rugs - Dust surfaces, including computer screen - Polish cabinets and woodwork.
Basement
Clear clutter blocking access to furnace, electrical box or laundry room - Sweep stairs.