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House and Grounds Preparation Checklist
In preparing to sell your home, you will want to review its many features from the standpoint of a stranger. That is, what is someone unfamiliar with your home--and seeing it for the first time--likely to notice? Because you will never have a second chance to make a first impression, your aim in this review is to spruce up whatever needs it, remove unnecessary items, and create an image (inside and out) that will make the buyer want to come back again--and--write an offer! While this list looks quite long, most people don't need to take care of more than a few items in order to make that all-important first impression. Feel free to print off this page and use it as a checklist as you wander around the yard, and into the different rooms that make up your home. You may also be interested in information about preparing your home for the winter season.
| Exterior |
Needs Work |
When to Do |
| Cut grass (shovel snow) |
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| Mend fence, gate, steps |
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| Install house numbers |
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| Plant annual flowers |
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| Pick up toys, tools, etc. |
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| Remove excess items |
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| Trim shrubs |
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| Edge lawns |
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| Seal driveway |
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| Close garage door(s) |
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| Store trash cans |
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| Wash windows |
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| Entrance |
Needs Work |
When to Do |
| Tighten handrail |
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| Replace light bulbs with higher wattage |
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| Mend doorbell |
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| Buy new doormat |
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| Mend screens |
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| Remove pawprints and fingerprints |
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| Paint threshold |
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| Polish brass or other metals |
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| Front Hall |
Needs Work |
When to Do |
| Clean out closet |
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| Remove clutter |
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| Add plants, fresh flowers |
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| Living Room/Family Room |
Needs Work |
When to Do |
| Remove crowded pieces |
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| Pack away distracting items |
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| Clean out fireplace ashes |
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| Start a cozy fire in winter |
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| Shampoo carpet |
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| Repaint interior |
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| Repaint ceilings |
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| Kitchen |
Needs Work |
When to Do |
| Clean stove and oven |
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| Clear counters |
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| Scrub sink |
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| Remove fingerprints |
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| Replace faucet washers |
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| Starch curtains |
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| Dust miniblinds |
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| Add a plant or fresh flowers |
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| Bathrooms |
Needs Work |
When to Do |
| Replace shower curtain |
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| Freshen grout around tub |
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| Change toilet seat |
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| Remove personal items |
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| Bring in a plant |
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| Clean (repaint) medicine cabinets |
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| Buy new towels |
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| Remove tub mat |
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| Bedrooms |
Needs Work |
When to Do |
| Store personal items |
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| Remove valuables |
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| Clear dressers |
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| Clean out closets |
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| Add live plant |
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| Remove excess furniture |
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| Attic, Basement |
Needs Work |
When to Do |
| Clear stairs |
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| Check light bulbs |
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| Vacuum floors |
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| Dust away cobwebs |
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| Straighten stored items |
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| Garage |
Needs Work |
When to Do |
| Hose down floor |
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| Tidy stored items |
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| Keep doors closed |
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| Replace light bulbs (higher watts) |
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Printable version
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