Seller’s p r e p
g u i d e
seller’s prep guide Before listing your property, you will need to make sure it is in the best condition possible so you can attract the right buyer and highest price. Start a task list and inspect each part of your property. The list should have the following categories:
room
task
name of person completing the task
supplies needed
due date
cost
Maintenance and Repair interior Inspect each room and closet of your home for the following: entire home
□ Paint condition and color—Bold does not mean Sold! Windows
□ Do they open and close properly? □ Is there a broken seal? (Is there moisture between the windows that you can’t get to?) □ Are they clean? doors
□ Do they open and close properly? □ Do they hit the door frame and need to be adjusted? □ Are the hinges squeaking? □ Do all the door locks work properly and do you have keys? Lights
□ Do all the switches work properly? □ Are the switch covers and the area around them clean? □ Are all the light bulbs working? Floors
□ Carpet should be replaced or professionally cleaned. Look for wear spots around heavily trafficked areas and pay attention to the odor of the carpet.
□ Hardwood floors should be steam cleaned, scratches repaired and re-sealed. □ Tile floors should have cracked tiles replaced, grout repaired and re-sealed. □ Laminate floors should be inspected for chipped corners and soft spots in the underlayment.
interior
CONTINUED
Walls and Ceiling
□ Repair any cracks in the drywall or plaster. □ Match the texture of the walls after repair and before paint. □ When purchasing paint for touch ups, make sure the paint is the same color and finish as the existing paint (ie: flat, satin, gloss).
□ In high moisture areas (bathrooms, basements and around doors and windows) check for soft spots, bubbles and mold.
Bathroom(s)
□ Replace and re-grout cracked or broken tiles. □ Make sure mirrors are clean. □ Inspect for mold and mildew. □ Is the floor soft around the base of the toilet and/or tub? □ Are the showers clean and doors working properly? □ Get new shower curtains. □ Are all towel racks secure and properly installed? □ Is the exhaust fan working and properly installed? Kitchen
□ Is the garbage disposal working properly and is it connected properly to the dishwasher? □ Does the dishwasher work properly and is there mildew on the seals? □ Are cabinet doors and drawers all working properly? □ Is the cabinet under the sink in good condition? □ Are the counter tops chipped or cracked? □ Do all appliances look good and are they working properly? □ Is the exhaust fan connected properly and working? Alarms and sensors
□ Are all CO2 and smoke detectors working properly and do they have fresh batteries? □ Is the security system working correctly and are all the systems sensors connected?
EXTErior
□ Have the roof inspected. □ Inspect the condition of the exterior siding and trim. Look for rotting wood or materials. □ Inspect the paint and scrape flaking paint and touch up. □ Check the caulking around windows, doors, and vents. □ Clean the gutters. □ Remove weeds and unwanted vegetation close to the house and foundation. □ Inspect the foundation for visible cracks. □ Repair sidewalks and walkways. □ Remove personal yard art or quirky landscaping items. □ Remove old or dying plants that are unattractive. □ Mow and water the lawn. □ Make sure garage door is working properly. □ Power wash patios, driveways, and sidewalks.
Declutter and Cleaning If you are already moved out of the property and have no personal belongings present, make sure that the home is properly staged.
If you are still living in the property:
□ Donate or recycle all unwanted furniture or furniture that needs to be repaired. If you must keep it for sentimental reasons, remove it and put it in storage.
□ DVD and CD collections are not attractive, pack them up and store them. □ Game consoles and games should also be stored. □ TVs should be on a proper stand or mounted and should be cleaned. □ Everything should have a place designated for it. Remove all clutter. □ Family photos and personal trinkets should be removed. □ Unused or seldom-used kitchen appliances should be removed or stored. □ Clothing that is not necessary should be donated or removed. Cluttered closets make them seem too small and give buyers a sense of anxiety about storage.
□ All kitchen shelves should be washed and only the bare minimum of items replaced—all other items should be donated or stored off site.
□ DO NOT USE THE GARAGE FOR STORAGE! Offsite storage is recommended for all items that are not necessary or needed for presentation of the home—Bikes, toys, kayaks etc. should all be stored off site. Large clean garages allow the buyers to imagine storage opportunities.
□ Basements and attics should be cleaned, and stored Items removed or stored off site. □ All windows should be cleaned, draperies should be washed or dry cleaned, sun-bleached drapes should be replaced or removed.
□ Sun-bleached furniture should be replaced, removed, or covered. □ Windowsills, blinds, and handles should be cleaned. □ Baseboard trim should be washed. □ Walls around switches and entrances should be inspected for grime and cleaned or painted. □ There are several online sites that make it easy to sell, or gift unwanted items. □ Dust EVERYTHING, including ceiling fans, vent covers, windowsills and edges, door trim and panels, cabinet faces, etc.
□ Organize your closets and remove things from the floors. □ Ask your agent for a detailed list of additional items you may want to remove. There are several online sites that make it easy to sell, or gift unwanted items: Offerup.com
Goodwill
Craigslist.org
Salvation Army
Ebay.com
Nextdoor.com
Habitat for Humanity
Facebook Groups (Buy Nothing etc.)
Prior to showing □ Make beds. □ Pick up all floors (including closets). □ Close toilet seats. □ Fresh towels and hand towels in the bath and kitchen.
□ Wipe down bath vanities and mirrors. □ Close all drawers and cabinets. □ Empty all trash cans and put new liners in. □ Wipe down kitchen counters and clean sink. □ Sweep floors and vacuum. □ Fold all blankets. □ Store remotes. □ Empty dishwasher. □ Turn on lights. □ Secure valuables and turn off computers. □ Store phone chargers.
Recommended professional inspections
□ Roof □ Sewer/septic □ Heating and AC □ Electrical □ Foundation □ General Structural (most common)
notes:
room
task
name of person completing the task
supplies needed
due date
cost
room
task
name of person completing the task
supplies needed
due date
cost
DaVID T. SNEAD REAL ESTATE BROKER
C: 425.457.2594 | davidtsnead@cbbain.com SeattleDaves.com Licensed in Washington
LAKE UNION OFFICE 1200 Westlake Ave N Suite 406 | Seattle, WA 98109