GARAGE | CARPORT | STORAGE SHEDS HOME PREPARATION CHECKLIST CLEAN EVERYTHING FIX ANYTHING BROKEN FRESHEN WITH PAINT A clean home speaks volumes to buyers. It says the home is well cared for and in good repair. It shows a pride in ownership and that puts the buyers at ease. A messy or dirty home puts buyers on alert, and they will tend to look for every flaw and reason to offer less or nothing at all. \ And if it can’t be fixed, replace or eliminate altogether. Fix plumbing leaks, electrical systems, light switches & plates, window screens, doors that squeak, slider doors and screens that stick, windows that don’t open, seal gaps around windows and kitchen & bath grout. Paint is the most economical improvement you can make. It is often a better solution than deep cleaning and it makes a room seem new. P{aint in neutral colors like off-white or egg shell will help brighten a room, and make it appear to be a lot larger than it is. OUTSIDE THE HOUSE INSIDE THE HOUSE UTILITY AREAS Your Closets will be seen!!! Clean around outdoor trash cans and service areas Paint inside closets, if needed Laundry: Clean behind washer & dryer Repair leaky Faucets Keep closets clean and clutter free Laundry: eliminate odors like mildew Roll up garden hoses Pack up or remove unnecessary items Laundry: keep appliance tops free of clutter Remove cobwebs in corners, light fixtures, front door Repair sliding doors HEATING & AC UNITS Paint or varnish the Front door Lubricate door channels if needed Polish door hardware, replace rusty front door handles Vacuum Ideal look: half empty & highly organized! (group colors) Test doorbell and knocker. Replace filter Clean oil stains from friveway and garage floor IN ALL ROOMS: clam, pay attention to: Vacuum and wash air instake vent Patch holes and cracks in driveway. Doors & frames Remove items stored around units Clean the garage floor and clear of loose articles Windows Set thermostat to run extra cool in summer Replace or clean house numbers Light switches Clean fireplace & screens New Welcome Mats are always a wise investment Baseboards GARAGE | CARPORT | STORAGE SHEDS Repair | Replace | Paint any damaged area Chair rails Bright is best—use 100 watt light bulbs Curtains & Draperies Trim Clean floor—keep clutter free Sliding glass doors : do they glide smoothly? Wood Siding Hang up tools & garden equipment when possible Ceiling fans and light fixtures Rain Gutters Eliminate cobwebs Cobwebs in corners and around curtain rods Shutters Remove oil and old paint stains from garage floor Open up curtains to brighten rooms Doors Adjust garage doors—check springs and rails Fix scratches in wood floors and furniture Window Frames Paint wood doors, if needed Replace cracked, chipped, or broken flooring Window Glazing Clean carpet or remove/replace stained or worn ones FINISHING UP Screens Use area rugs in appropriate areas Prepare a long list of every feature in your home Fences & Gates Keeps trash cans empty Be open to showings every day Hardware Make up all beds—all the time Remember: extra effort brings faster sales, more money Outdoor Lighting Fluff pillows, straighten bedspreads Clean around outdoor trash cans and service areas Landscaping | Hardscape | Softscape IN THE KITCHEN Mow & edge lawn on a regular basis Keep food and dishes out of sight Feed & aerate lawn Clean appliances — remove fingerprints Seed or patch bare spots in lawn Clean range hoods, screens, & light bulbs Water regularly Clean ovens & stoves Remove and replace dead and dying plants Clean areas behind appliances Prune overgrown shrubbery Keep floor clean Cut back or prune vegetation that covers window views Dust all light fixtures & replace burned out bulbs CLEAN Add support stakes to sagging trees and shrubs Test electrical outlets - do they all work? Eliminate visible weeds Deodorize garbage disposal, refrigerator, & dishwasher Trim around walls—fences—trees Repair faucets—remove any sink stains Repair or remove damaged fences Replace shelf paper in cabinets Repair or remove damaged fountains/ water features Organize drawers and cabinets Repair or remove damaged trellises Clean out under sink area Repair or remove damaged gazebos Repair or remove damaged planters BATHROOMS must be clean! Replace broken stepping stones Shine mirrors Adjust sprinkler heads & repair any broken/leaky heads Clean wastebaskets & empty daily REPAIR Check automatic times & replace backup battery Remove non-essentials from cabinets Cover up unsightly views with fences or shrubs Towel racks are for fluffy clean towels Clean & Wash: Windows Clean shower doors—pay attention to corners Clean & Wash: Screens Lubricate any shower door channels Clean & Wash: Siding Remove soap residue from holders and tile Clean & Wash: AC unit Eliminate mildew or mold on tub/sink/shower Clean & Wash: Pool equipment Bleach out stains on sinks—tubs—toilets Clean & Wash: Outdoor Kitchens / Bar-B-Q Replace stained/moldy shower curtains & linings Clean & Wash: Decking Clean grout Clean & Wash: Eaves & Front Entry PAINT Caulk around tub and shower if needed Replace Light Bulbs: Porch Lights Clean exhaust fan / replace if noisy or broken Complements of: Replace Light Bulbs: Garage / Carport Tighten rocking toilets or seats Replace Light Bulbs: Exterior Lighting Realty World Replace mechanism in running toilets Realty World All Stars 909..942.3003 FrontDesk@rwAllStars.net 909.942.3003 www.rwAllStars.com All offices independently owned and operated CalBRE #01526169