A cared-for home. A manageable list.

A practical guide to help you understand the next step, ask useful questions and make room for the details.

Exterior

The first impression matters. Ensure your home’s exterior is inviting and well maintained:

Keep entry paths safe and accessible. Clear snow and ice from walkways when needed. The goal is easy access and a well-kept first impression, not a renovation.

• Yard Maintenance: Is your yard well kept and inviting?
• Trees and Bushes: Are they neatly trimmed?
• Lawn Care: Is your lawn mowed, edged, and free of weeds?
• Decks and Patios: Are they clean and in good condition?
• House Paint: Does your house need a fresh coat of paint?
• Structural Integrity: Are there any exterior holes, cracks, or other damage?
• Walks and Porches: Are they clean and in good repair?
• Roof Condition: Does your roof have any leaks, sags, or missing shingles?
• Chimney: Is your chimney in good shape?

Carpeting/Walls/Ceilings

Interior aesthetics play a crucial role in buyer perception. Check the following:

• Carpets: Are your carpets clean, in good condition, and odor free?
• Wall Condition: Do your walls have any cracks, holes, or need painting?
• Ceilings: Do your ceilings have any water stains, cracks, peeling, or need painting?

Kitchen

A clean, functional kitchen can be a major selling point:

• Appliances: Are your appliances clean and in good working order?
• Cabinets: Are they in good condition and well organized?
• Countertops: Are your countertops in good condition and free from damage?
• Tile Grout: Is it clean and in good condition?
• Sink: Is your sink free of stains, chips, and does it need re caulking?

Bathroom

Ensure your bathrooms are spotless and fully functional:

• Faucets: Do they shut off completely?
• Sinks: Do they drain freely?
• Toilets: Are they in good condition and fully functional?
• Shower Doors: Are they clean and shiny?
• Tubs: Do they need caulking?
• Floors: Are they in good condition?
• Vanities and Mirrors: Are they clean and in good condition?

Living Room

Make sure your living areas are clean and inviting:

• Fireplace: Is it clean and in good condition?
• Window Treatments: Are drapes, shutters, and shades clean and functional?
• Windows: Do they open and close easily, and are the windowsills clean?
• Doors: Are they in good condition, free of sagging or sticking, with functional locks?

Basement/Attic

These spaces should be tidy and free from pests:

• Organization: Are your basement and attic well organized and lit?
• Cleanliness: Are they clean and free from signs of insects or rodents?
• Stair Safety: Are the stairs in good repair?

Garage

A clean and organized garage can appeal to buyers:

• Organization: Is your garage well organized and lit?
• Floor: Is the floor swept and free from stains?

Final Steps

Before showing your home to potential buyers, review these final steps:

• Cleanliness: Ensure every room is clean and clutter free.
• Repairs: Address any minor repairs that could detract from your home’s appeal.
• Staging: Consider professional staging to highlight your home’s best features.

Gather the paperwork early.

Collect HOA information, utility costs, warranties, appliance manuals and records of major updates. Share sensitive financial documents only through verified channels.

Know what stays.

List excluded fixtures or other items before reviewing a purchase contract. For a trust or estate, ask your attorney and title company which authority documents they need and how to provide them securely.

Be ready for photos and showings.

Secure valuables, medications and personal documents. Open blinds and turn on lights. Plan for pets. Discuss any cameras and applicable disclosure requirements with your agent.

Use a short priority list.

A walkthrough can help distinguish a necessary repair from an optional project. Start with the repairs and cleaning that matter most, then work through the optional projects as time and budget allow.

General educational information, not legal, tax or lending advice. Your contract and circumstances determine the requirements. For legal or tax questions, speak with a qualified professional; your lender and title company can explain their parts of the process.

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