Home Selling: Maintenance and Cleanup for Resale

Below is a checklist of maintenance and clean-up items (for the inside and outside of the property) designed specifically for homeowners who are planning to put their home on the market:

Interior Improvements

• Remove all unnecessary furniture
• Remove clutter throughout
• Curtains and draperies should be freshly laundered
• Clean all blinds
• Make sure your carpets are clean and odor-free
• Clean and wax hardwood flooring
• Organize closets and cupboards
• Make sure windows, screens and doors are sparkling clean
• Be certain that all windows, screens and doors are in proper working order
• Replace all broken glass
• Clean the oven and the dishwasher, inside and out
• Clean all other appliances and make sure they are in proper working order
• Oil noisy appliances and ceiling fans
• Run a lemon through the garbage disposal
• Brighten interior walls with a coat of neutral paint
• Repair cracked or peeling paint, wallpaper and woodwork
• Wash wall smudges and polish mirrors
• Check all light bulbs
• Clean the fireplace and/or wood stove
• Clean the furnace and replace filters
• Test all smoke detectors
• Tighten loose door knobs, towel racks, cabinet handles and switch plates
• Tighten loose stair banisters
• Repair sticking doors and windows and warped drawers
• Eliminate water discoloration in sinks
• Check the entire house for musty or distasteful odors
• Remove all rust and mildew
• Be sure your home is well aired and clean smelling
• Replace loose caulking or grout
• Make sure all plumbing fixtures are in proper working order
• Clean the garage so a car will fit into the proper space
• Clean oily cement floors
• Throw away unnecessary items
• Have the water conditioner serviced

Exterior Improvements

• Trim trees, hedges and shrubs
• Remove dead or dying flowers inside and out
• Put away outdoor tools and equipment
• Remove stains and clutter from the driveway
• Repair the driveway, sidewalks and stairs
• Remove mildew or moss from walls and walks
• Touch up exterior paint
• Paint the front door and the garage door
• Replace faded house numbers
• Replace old door mats
• Replace or paint weather-beaten mailbox
• Make sure the doorbell works
• Clean outdoor light fixtures
• Shine outside brass fixtures
• Clean and repair patio and deck areas
• Repair fences and gates
• Check roof shingles and replace or repair if necessary
• Remove debris from the roof
• Clean gutters
• Replace damaged bricks and rotted wood
• Clean basement entry drains
• Clean the chimney
• Stack the wood pile neatly
• Replace or repair anything that sticks, squeaks or drips