Prospective buyers don't expect everything in a house to be perfect, but the more presentable you make a house, the faster the house will sell. When you're preparing your home for sale, keep the overall perception of your property positive by using the checklist below. Some of these tasks are more ambitious than others, but all will increase the value or salability of your house as you prepare it for sale.

Download a printable version of this Home Preparation checklist (PDF)

EXTERIOR

General
• Wash off any dirt or mold - use a power washer, if necessary
• Apply a fresh coat of paint, if necessary
• Fill in any obvious holes or cracks
• Wash the windows
• Clean the front door, walls, porches, decks, and patios, and make sure they're free from clutter
• Fix broken screens, lamps, etc. & replace light bulbs, as necessary
• Check gutters and downspouts to make sure they are clear and functioning properly
• Inspect the roof for leaks, missing tiles or shingles, sags, etc. While you're up there, make sure the chimney is in good shape
• Does the front give a 'welcome' appearance?

Landscaping
• Clear any junk away from the front and back yards
• Make sure the area in front of your property is clean and free of debris
• Kill or pull up any weeds
• Trim any overgrown trees and bushes
• Sweep off pathways
• Mow and edge the lawn
• Adding mulch to planting beds and around trees is an inexpensive but effective way of freshening the look of the yard
• Depending on the season, planting a few flowers can make all the difference
• If you've got time, consider fertilizing your lawn to make it lush and green
• Fill cracks in driveway and sidewalks with ready-mix cement. If the driveway is gravel, consider filling in sparse areas, if necessary
• Does the yard look well maintained?

INTERIOR

General
• Clean your home from top to bottom
• Put all valuables in a safe place
• Put deodorizers in each room
• Pre-pack and store anything you don't need - including trinkets & out of season clothes, to keep the house free of clutter
• Add a few colorful plants to make the place seem livelier

Walls
• Fill in cracks or holes
• Re-paint, re-wallpaper, or touch up, as necessary

Kitchen
• Ensure appliances are in good working order
• Clean all the appliances from top to bottom - don't forget to clean behind or underneath
• Clean outside and inside of all cabinets
• Repair cabinets & cabinet doors, as necessary
• Clean the countertops & repair chips or holes, if possible
• Clean the grout in any tiling
• Make sure sink & disposal are in good working order - fix any drips, leaks, etc.
• Clean fans & vent hoods
• Clean & wax the kitchen floor to make it as bright as possible
• Scrub the sink & surrounding area

Ceilings
• Check for water stains. Make sure all leaks are repaired, and patch the ceiling, if necessary
• Fill in any cracks, and repaint or touch up paint as needed

Carpets
• Make sure carpets are in good condition. Stretch or re-tack if needed.
• Clean the carpets

Bathrooms
• Make sure the faucets are in good working order and that the sink and tub drain freely
• Clean everything thoroughly, including the mirrors, sink, tub, and toilet - remove stains and make everything shine!
• Replace old caulking
• Make sure countertops and cabinets are in good working condition

Doors
• Lubricate any squeaky doors
• Re-hang doors that stick, sag, or don't close properly
• Make sure all the locks work
• Re-paint or touch up paint as necessary
• Don't forget to check screens & storm doors, too

Windows
• Make sure all the windows open properly
• Clean windows, window frames, drapes, shutters, etc.
• Fix or replace bent screens
• Clear the window sills

Fireplace
• Clear out all the ash & soot. Clean the fireplace thoroughly
• Make sure the screen & tiling are in good condition
• Does it make an attractive display?

Garage
• Clean out the garage - put everything away
• Make sure there is sufficient lighting - replace missing bulbs, or add in a floor lamp if necessary
• Sweep the floor and all surfaces
• Clean the door, light switch and entrance thoroughly
• Make sure the garage door works
• Try to remove any stains on the concrete

Attic
• Organize the attic
• Make sure the lights work
• Sweep and dust wherever possible
• Make sure the stairs are clean and in good working order
• Make sure the doors open & close easily
• Check for signs of pests. Bait or trap them, as necessary