Preparing your home for a sale can often make you want to hide your head under a blanket and not come out until the next millennium! But taking care of your space on a regular basis makes it easier than you realize. That’s why I’ve created this comprehensive checklist to keep your house looking spectacular all year long, whether you plan to sell or not!

Remember: 

To sell your house, it needs to appear move-in ready. 

No one wants to buy dirty things that they did not make dirty!

[fancytitle title=”Spring” icon=”star”]

• Focus on curb appeal 
  • Make sure your exterior is an amazing focal point. When buyers drive up we want your curb appeal and landscaping to set a positive 1st impression before they even open the front door
  • Whip your yard into shape as quickly as possible  
  • Front and back yard, landscaping, and garage
  • Plant pops of greenery or colour and lay down fresh mulch
  • Make sure the front door is pristine. Ensure it opens and closes, latches well, and doesn’t let in a draft

• Beautify your entrance
  • Clear out this area of anything that doesn’t belong, including muddy shoes and worn-out coats
  • Scrub down the dirt and grime on the door, doorbell, and fixtures. Be sure to get into every corner and wipe away any cobwebs, bugs, and dust

• Take care of necessary repairs and general upkeep
  • Clean the gutters
  • Test the AC unit and change out the filters
  • Inspect and clean the siding
  • Power wash the driveway
  • Get the roof inspected for any winter damage (A roof lasts about 25 years, so if your home’s roof is approaching that deadline, it needs a quick inspection from a professional) 

[fancytitle title=”Summer” icon=”star”]

• Highlight your outdoor areas 
  • Summer buyers love outdoor living spaces! 
  • Clean your deck, porch, patio, driveway, garage door, windows, and BBQ 
• Roof and gutters 
  • Repair any damage to the roof
  • Clean out gutters and fix downspouts to prevent water issues
• Spruce up your landscaping 
  • Keep your grass and plants green and vibrant for showings and open houses
• Add value and security with lighting
  • Frame your walkways and driveways with lights for a stylish touch
• Don’t skimp on the air conditioning 
  • If you have AC but it isn’t on, buyers will think it doesn’t work 
• Make the exterior of your home shine
  • While the agent is opening the lock on the front door, buyers are already inspecting everything around them 
  • First impressions sell, so make it a good one!
• Mow, trim, and weed
  • Convey a positive message that the home is well-maintained
• Seal larger driveway cracks 
  • Ensure your driveway looks well-maintained and inviting
• Paint or clean your front door
  • Your front door is a focal point; make it look its best. Paint or consider replacing it
• Fix peeling or damaged siding
  • Address any visible damage on your home’s exterior
• Look at your house numbers
  • Update your address numbers so they look sharp and are easily seen
• Enhance your entryway
  • Add a new doormat, potted plants, or outdoor lighting 
• Declutter the outside spaces
  • Remove unnecessary items like extra hoses and wheelbarrows
  • Keep the space tidy
• Fix up your fence
  • If your home has a damaged or ugly fence, a repair or upgrade will be worth the investment 
• Create welcoming outdoor spaces
  • Replace or remove worn or rusting patio furniture
  • Add string lights, lanterns, or solar lights to create ambiance in the evening
  • Plant colourful flowers or greenery
• Stage outdoor areas
  • Set the table
  • Keep cushions clean and set up
  • No mess, no clutter 
• Kill the bugs
  • Take action right away–buyers don’t want bugs!
• Deodorize your home
  • Wash everything including rugs, sheets, and comforters
  • Ventilate musty rooms to increase fresh airflow 
  • Open windows and use fans to air out rooms
• Windows and screens
  • Repair or replace any broken windows and fix torn or loose screens

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• Curb appeal 
  • Clean up the yard
  • Trim bushes and trees
  • Clean gutters
  • Replace summer plants with mums or fall flower
    
• Entrance 
• • Add a clean doormat
  • Paint the front door
  • Upgrade locks, handles, lighting, and house numbers

• Windows
  • Clean inside and outside
  • Open blinds and window coverings

• Lighting 
  • Try to schedule showings earlier in the day
  • Add landscape/patio/solar lights
  • Turn on all lights for showings, including appliance and closet lights

• Fireplace
  • Clean, service, and turn on for showings

• Air quality
  • Change furnace filter
  • Ensure fresh indoor air
  • Open windows if weather permitting

• Exterior repairs before temperatures drop
  • Touch up paint
  • Refresh caulking
  • Replace air filters
  • Change faucets
  • Update lights
  • Replace cabinet hardware and handles

• Deep clean
  • Bathrooms, especially to address mildew and mould
  • Cupboards and pantry
  • Baseboards
  • Window sills
  • Ceiling fans
  • Dust everything

• Holiday decor
  • Keep it simple–think pumpkins rather than spooky stuff!

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• Create winter curb appeal
  • Sweep and plow sidewalks, driveways, and patios
  • Keep outdoor furniture outside, weather permitting
  • Wash siding before temperatures drop
  • Add solar/landscape lights
  • Add pots with winter plants for greenery

• Maximize natural light
  • Use daylight lightbulbs for bathrooms, soft white elsewhere
  • Consider LED lighting

• Create a warm welcome
  • Remove window screens for cleaning
  • Seal and insulate windows
  • Service HVAC system, clean ducts, change HVAC filter
  • Paint with light colours for more brightness
  • Create cozy vibes with throws, pillows, and unscented candles
  • Boost the thermostat before showings
  • Use seasonal decor with neutral accessories like white lights or a simple tree

• Deep clean
  • Under sink cabinets
  • Bathroom fans
  • Shower heads
  • Inside dishwasher
  • Washing machine seal
  • Vacuum rugs/mats daily
  • Tidy toys
  • Scrub every surface and declutter closets and cabinets 
  • Consider hiring a professional cleaner every few weeks (It will be worth it, I promise!)

[fancytitle title=”All Seasons” icon=”star”]

Assess: Take some time to examine each room and ask yourself:

1. How does it look? 
2. Does it match the overall aesthetic? 
3. Is it functional? 
4. Is it attractive? 
5. How old is it?

Things to Always Consider:

• Make basic interior and exterior repairs and updates
• Refresh and brighten–think paint, hardware, lightbulbs, flooring, and curtains 
• Declutter early; it takes longer than you think
• Clear countertops and surfaces
• Dust and wipe every shelf and cabinet inside and out
• Get rid of pet smells–regularly wash and replace pet beds, crates, toys, and food bowls 
• Make necessary repairs before you list
• Depersonalize your home and pre-pack
• Change filter 
• Clean ducts if needed 
• Shampoo carpets
• Touch up baseboards 
• Spruce up landscaping
• Wash windows
• Have furnace and A/C serviced
• Deep clean inside, including ALL appliances
  

Wondering How to Get the Most For Your Home?

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