HomeSellingChecklist.com
Checklist for Preparing Your Home to Sell
Interior Checklist
Home Listing Checklist
Showing Your Home Checklist
Contract Through Settlement Checklist
Because we're so used to seeing our own homes, it's easy to overlook any
deficiencies. Use this printable checklist to assess your home through the
eyes of a perspective buyer.
Printable version of Exterior Checklist.
- Paint in good condition.
- Shutters on straight.
- Gutter and downspouts clean and functioning.
- Downspouts draining away from foundation.
- All exterior lights working.
- Light fixtures around entry clean.
- Doorbell button clean and functioning.
- Door thresholds and jams in good condition with no water damage or rot.
- Garage door in good condition and operating smoothly.
- Shingles in good condition with none missing or curling.
- Chimney mortar tight.
- Flashing secure, leak free and tight.
- Windows open and close easily.
- No cracked panes.
- No condensation between sealed panes.
- Caulking and paint in good condition.
- All storm windows in place.
- Lawn condition good.
- Grass mowed.
- Edges trimmed.
- Fences intact and secure.
- Trees and shrubs trimmed away from house.
- Dead trees, tree limbs and plants removed.
- Planting beds maintained, cleared of weeds and mulched.
- Walkways clean and in good repair.
- Driveway clean and in good repair and asphalt driveway sealed.
Because we're so used to seeing our own homes, it's easy to overlook any
deficiencies. Kitchens and baths are listed first because they are of
particular importance. Use this printable checklist to assess your home
through the eyes of a new buyer.
Printable version of Interior Checklist.
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- Counters free of clutter.
- Top and front of refrigerator clear.
- Sink clean with no leaks.
- All appliances work.
- Range hood, filter and ventilator operable and free of grease and odor.
- Cabinets free of excess storage and neatly arranged.
- Drawer and cabinet hardware working.
- No loose or broken tiles.
- Tile surround and grout clean and sparkling.
- Joints caulked.
- Free of mildew.
- Faucets operable and do not leak.
- Sink and tub stains removed.
- Counter free of clutter.
- Clean towels out.
- Shower curtain clean, bright and fresh.
- No peeling wallpaper.
- Lights and exhaust fan operable.
- Drawer and cabinet hardware working.
- Floor clean.
- Eliminate bad odors. Get someone that doesn't live in the home to give you feedback on pet odors, smoking, musty smells in basement, etc.
- Unnecessary furniture removed.
- Furniture placed to best show room size.
- Switch plates clean and free of fingerprints.
- Light fixtures and ceiling fans clean.
- Ceiling fans operable and fasten securely to ceiling.
- Wallpaper secure to wall.
- Wall paint in good condition.
- Baseboard, moulding and windowsills clean and free of smudges.
- Curtains clean.
- Doors, door latches and hardware working smoothly.
- Floors and carpet cleaned.
- Carpet tacked down and tight.
- Rooms well lighted (using higher wattage bulbs if necessary).
- Vents and Returns free of dust.
- Stairway lit and handrail secure.
- Lights working properly.
- Clean and free of clutter.
- No dampness or water penetration.
- No musty or sewer odor.
- No stopped up drains.
- Basement dehumidified as necessary.
- Lights working.
- Clean, organized and free of clutter.
- No oil stains.
- Garage door operates easily and smoothly.
- Electric door opener operates smoothly and quietly.
- Filter changed.
- Units inspected and cleaned.
- Chimney cleaned.
- Ashes removed from fireplace.
- Consider renting a storage unit to help you de-clutter your home and help with moving.
Use this printable checklist to be better prepared for listing your home.
Printable version of Home Listing Checklist.
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- Use of lockbox, lockbox operational times and safety.
- Use and placement of yard signs.
- What to expect from showing agents.
- Showing instructions.
- What to do with your pets during showings.
- Marketing Plan--how and when your home will be advertised.
- Identify "selling features" to photograph for advertising.
- Strong selling points for inclusion in advertisements and MLS Internet remarks.
- What to expect when an offer is received.
- How your agent should deal with multiple offers.
- How to "stage" your home for maximum appeal.
- Any "tidy up" items prior to showings.
- The best means to contact your agent.
- Discuss need to order Home Owners' Association documents.
- Disclose all potential safety hazards associated with the property.
- A copy of the plat for your property.
- Your current lender's name, address, phone number and loan account number.
- Any upcoming dates that you don't want your home shown.
- Your desired timeframe for settlement.
- List of your utility companies.
- Existence of an ongoing contract with a termite company.
- Own or lease: satellite equipment, propane tank, water softener, and burglar alarm systems.
- Any appliances and fixtures you will be taking with you.
- The best means to contact you.
- Provide a set of keys to your home-two sets if you have them.
Because homes that show well generally sell faster and often receive
higher offers, it is important for your home to show well. The goal
is to make your home as easy to show and as inviting as possible. The
following printable checklist will help you keep your home ready for
showing.
Printable version of Home Showing Checklist.
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- Make sure your answering machine is functioning properly and that you can pick up messages remotely.
- Fix or remove any safety hazards.
- Check with your insurance carrier to review your liability insurance.
- Remove or label any fixtures that you plan to take with you.
- Lock up or remove all guns and ammunition, cash and expensive jewelry.
- Put medicines in a medicine cabinet or in a drawer.
- Keep the grass cut in summer and the driveway, sidewalk and steps clear of snow and ice in winter.
- Keep garage door shut.
- Leave storm door unlocked so that the entry door can be opened.
- Be prepared for your home to be shown without receiving advanced notice-agents usually call before showing but unscheduled showing does occur.
- Clean litter pans daily and keep out of sight.
- Keep your home tidy and fresh smelling.
- Keep pets confined, preferably out doors. Post a note if pets are loose in the house.
- Leave sink clean and free of dishes.
- Make beds.
- Pick up clothes.
- Do not allow anyone into the home without the accompaniment of an agent -ask agents for their business cards before allowing them to enter.
- When your children are alone, they can let the showing agent use a keypad to gain entrance.
- If you will be out of town, please provide a means of contact.
- Leave the home if possible during showings-many buyers feel uncomfortable and intrusive when owners are home.
- Let the light shine-open drapes and blinds and turn on lights.
- Turn TV off.
- Play background music at low volume if available-several table/clock radios in different rooms that are tuned to the same background station work well.
- Call after showings to provide the contact information on the showing agent's business card.
Use this printable checklist to help organize your efforts, satisfy
the requirements of the sales contract on your home and prepare for
settlement.
Printable version of Contract Through Settlement Checklist.
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- Stop auto refills for bottled gas and oil as applicable.
- If not already ordered, promptly order or have your agent order the Home Owner's Association document.
- Have your agent order a termite inspection within 30 days of settlement.
- Two weeks ahead, call utility companies, as appropriate, and ask for a final reading on the day of closing. Ask that these utilities be transferred on the day after closing, not disconnected. These utilities must be operating the day of closing:
- Two weeks ahead, call utility companies, as appropriate, and ask that service be stopped:
- Telephone
- Cable/satellite
- Security system
- See Utility Providers for phone numbers.
- If you have a septic system, have it serviced prior to settlement as required by the contract-your agent can order this on your behalf.
- Cancel your homeowner's insurance two business days after closing.
- See Moving Checklist.
- Review the sales contract and check with your agent to make sure you know what you are allowed to move from the house and what stays.
- Satisfy any home inspection items required by the contract.
- The Regional Sales Contract says to leave the home "in broom-clean condition with all trash and debris removed." Most sellers try and leave the home the way they would want it if they were moving in.
- Empty the freezer and refrigerator.
- Defrost freezer and clean refrigerator.
- Clean the oven.
- Leave the following information kitchen drawer for purchaser: manuals on equipment and appliances, repair and maintenance records and any warranties.
- Leave paint colors if available.
- During summer, cut the grass a few days before settlement.
- Give your agent your forwarding address, e-mail address and cell phone number to provide for unseen events.
Schedule to be away from your home if possible during the final walkthrough.
The purchasers and their agent typically conduct a final walkthrough the
day of settlement to check appliances, electrical and plumbing.
Note: This checklist prints with the 'Contract through Settlement' checklist.
- Bring all garage door openers to settlement and give them to the purchaser.
- Bring all keys to settlement and give them to the purchaser.
- Bring picture I.D. to settlement.
- Bring copy of bills for any repairs performed by contractors to satisfy home inspection items.
- Bring your checkbook in case there are home inspection or walk-through items that need to be negotiated at settlement.
- Decide how you want money dispersed. If electronic transfer is desired, bring a blank check or deposit slip. If the purchase of another home is dependent on the rapid transfer of funds, make arrangements before settlement.
- Retain HUD-1 statement available for income tax submission.
- Store all paperwork in a safe location and retain long term.
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