SELLING CHECKLIST

Our team will take the time to walk through your home with you, room by room, to identify small, high-impact updates you can make — often with little to no out-of-pocket expense. Every suggestion we provide is designed to reduce days on market and maximize your sales price.

It’s easy to overlook bulbs that have burned out over time, but bright, consistent lighting makes a big impact on how your home feels. Take a few minutes to replace any burned-out bulbs — including those in lamps, pool and landscape lights, and appliances. If your light fixtures are dated, consider swapping them out for simple, modern options. This small investment can completely refresh a room’s look and help your home feel bright, welcoming, and photo-ready.

Preparing your home for sale is the perfect time to start the moving process by clearing out clutter. Grab some boxes (local neighborhood Facebook pages are a great place to find free ones) and start packing up anything you don’t use regularly. Organize closets and pantries so they look spacious and intentional — think back to your last visit to a model home where everything felt clean and minimal. The goal is to help buyers imagine their own belongings in the space, and less really is more.

Pro Tip: Label your boxes by room and note the contents. This makes moving day more organized and helps you quickly find essentials when you settle into your next home.

Once you’ve boxed things up, consider storing them in a storage unit or arranging them neatly in the garage. This helps keep living areas open and inviting for showings. If you have furniture that is dated, damaged, or oversized, it may be better to remove it entirely so the room feels larger and allows buyers to visualize the space. Our team will walk through each room with you and create a customized plan for which pieces should stay, be relocated, or be stored — so you never feel overwhelmed by the process.

Pro Tip: Group stored items by category or room so you can easily find what you need — and make unpacking later simple and stress-free.

Since I personally accompany every showing, I’ll need an extra set of keys to access your home. I keep these keys securely with me and only use them for approved showings. Whenever a showing request comes in, you’ll be contacted to confirm the date and time before anything is scheduled. I’ll do everything I can to accommodate your schedule, but it’s helpful to remain as flexible as possible so we don’t miss potential buyers who are ready to see your home. This personal approach allows me to welcome prospective buyers, highlight your home’s best features, and ensure everything is secure once the showing is complete.

Pro Tip: If you have multiple doors with separate locks, please provide keys for each one — including side gates — so buyers can see the entire property without interruption.

Clear all toiletries from counters and keep surfaces clutter-free for a fresh, spa-like feel. Aim for “white and bright” — invest in new white towels for the racks and choose a light, neutral shower curtain to keep the space airy and inviting. Small touches like this make bathrooms feel clean, refreshed, and photo-ready.

Pro Tip: Add a simple plant or candle for a touch of warmth without overcrowding the space. During the listing period, keep counters wiped down and tuck away personal items before every showing so the space always feels fresh and ready for buyers.

Keep this space clean and organized so it feels functional and inviting. If you have open shelving above your washer and dryer, consider using a few matching bins or baskets to neatly store supplies and hide clutter. A tidy laundry area signals to buyers that the home is well cared for.

The kitchen is often the heart of the home — and one of the biggest selling features. Keep counters as clear as possible to showcase your counter space. Clean inside the oven, microwave, and refrigerator, and remove magnets, photos, and notes from the fridge. Clear away décor from the top of cabinets, which can be distracting and collect dust.

Pro Tip: Add a simple, fresh touch — like a vase of flowers or a white bowl of lemons — to create a bright, welcoming focal point that makes the kitchen feel like a place buyers want to gather. During the listing period, keep dishes put away and counters wiped down so it stays photo- and showing-ready.

Bedrooms should feel like a restful retreat. Clear away clutter and remove bulky furniture so the rooms feel spacious and inviting. If you don’t already have one, consider adding a neutral-colored duvet cover or a fluffy white down comforter to create a fresh, clean look — think boutique hotel vibes. Aim for a minimum of four pillows with crisp white sheets to complete the look.

Pro Tip: Keep nightstands clear except for a lamp or a single decorative item, and make the bed every morning while your home is on the market so each room always looks show-ready.

Go through your closet and take a close look at anything you haven’t worn in over a year — including shoes. Consider packing up or donating those items. A closet with fewer hanging clothes and neatly folded shelves will instantly look larger and more organized, helping buyers imagine their own wardrobe in the space.

Pro Tip: Arrange your remaining clothes by color or category for an extra-polished, boutique-style look. This small effort can make a surprisingly big impact on how buyers perceive storage space.

Address any known leaks or plumbing issues before going on the market to avoid surprises during inspections. If budget allows, consider updating dated faucets or fixtures — these small upgrades can instantly refresh bathrooms and kitchens, giving the home a more modern feel. Even a simple swap to matching hardware can create a cohesive, polished look that buyers notice.

Give your living room a refresh so it feels clean, cozy, and inviting. Have your sofa and chairs professionally cleaned if needed, and consider adding a few light-colored throw pillows for a fresh look. Remove magazine racks, excess décor, and any clutter that can distract buyers. Hide wires from TVs, speakers, or gaming systems — especially before photo and video day. A few well-placed family photos are fine, but keep them minimal so buyers can picture themselves in the space.

Pro Tip: Use a light throw blanket or area rug to add warmth and texture — small styling touches can make the room feel like a designer space.

Keep the dining room simple and clutter-free so it feels open and elegant. Remove kids’ homework, papers, and anything that has collected on the table. Clear and tidy the hutch or sideboard so it looks intentional rather than busy. If the space feels crowded, remove extra chairs to make the room feel larger and easy to navigate. A single, simple centerpiece — like a vase of fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit — creates a welcoming focal point without overpowering the space.

Pro Tip: Before every showing, lightly set the table (placemats or a runner) for a polished, staged look that helps buyers picture hosting dinners and gatherings in the space.

Packing is the perfect time to simplify. Don’t waste time or money storing items you don’t plan to bring to your next home. Donate anything you no longer use — especially items you haven’t touched in over a year — or sell them through a garage sale or neighborhood Facebook pages. Local charities like Goodwill or community organizations are also great options for donations and can give your belongings a second life.

Pro Tip: Create three piles — “Keep,” “Donate/Sell,” and “Toss” — and go room by room. Breaking it into smaller steps makes the process faster and less overwhelming.

First impressions matter — most buyers form an opinion of your home within the first 15 seconds of arriving. Make sure your entrance and front yard feel clean, welcoming, and well cared for. Sweep the porch, pull weeds, put away hoses, and add a fresh doormat and simple wreath to create a cheerful entry. If needed, paint the front door for a pop of color — navy, charcoal, and soft sage are timeless, buyer-approved options. Power wash the exterior and driveway for extra curb appeal. Fresh throw pillows or cushions on patio furniture and a pot of seasonal flowers can go a long way in creating that “wow” moment as buyers step inside.

Pro Tip: Walk up to your front door as if you were a buyer seeing it for the first time — this will help you notice small details that can be quickly fixed to make a big impact.

Your backyard should feel like an extension of your living space. Make sure the yard is free of weeds, trimmed, and inviting. If you have a pool, keep the water sparkling and the pool tile clean. Sweep patios, refresh gravel or mulch, and stage outdoor furniture so buyers can imagine gathering, relaxing, or entertaining in the space.

Pro Tip: Add a few simple touches — like string lights, potted plants, or an outdoor rug — to create a cozy, “move-in-ready” vibe that shows off the potential for outdoor living.

Once your home is listed, think of it as an investment you want to present in the best possible light to get top dollar. To help buyers picture themselves living there, remove overly personal items like family photos, collections, or memorabilia. Walk through every room as if you were a buyer seeing it for the first time — this perspective makes it easier to spot what might distract from your home’s best features.

Pro Tip: Store personal items in labeled bins so they’re easy to unpack and display in your next home. Also remove valuables, prescription medications, and sensitive documents for security during showings — peace of mind is just as important as presentation.

A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to transform your home. Bold or dark colors can be a turn-off for some buyers, so re-painting in light, neutral tones helps appeal to the widest audience. Focus on the kitchen and main living areas first — neutrals make these spaces feel fresh and move-in ready. Light colors can also make small rooms feel more spacious. Bedrooms can handle a bit more personality, and we’ll help guide you on which colors work best. Before painting, patch any holes, nail pops, or scuffs so your walls look completely refreshed — not just freshly painted. Don’t forget to touch up baseboards and ceilings with fresh white paint for a crisp, polished look.

Pro Tip: Popular neutral colors like Sherwin-Williams “Accessible Beige” are timeless choices that photograph beautifully and signal to buyers that the home has been well cared for.

Walk through your home and create a checklist of small repairs you’ve been putting off — leaky faucets, loose handles, picture holes in the wall, squeaky doors, and anything else that might catch a buyer’s eye. Take care of these items before listing so the home feels well maintained. If you’re not handy, we can recommend trusted handymen to get everything done quickly. Don’t forget to replace air filters so your home smells fresh and the HVAC system is running efficiently.

Pro Tip: Tackle one category at a time (plumbing, hardware, paint touch-ups) to make the process feel manageable — and check off items as you go for extra motivation.

Clean windows make a remarkable difference in how bright and inviting your home feels. Over time, windows accumulate dirt, water spots, smudges, and fingerprints that can block natural light and dull the view. Investing in professional window cleaning before photo and video day is well worth it — your home will look lighter, fresher, and more welcoming.

Pro Tip: Ask your window cleaner to include screens and tracks in the service for an even more polished, “move-in ready” appearance.

Unless your carpets are brand new, schedule a professional steam cleaning before going on the market — you’ll be amazed at how much fresher and brighter the home feels. If your tile grout is discolored, consider having it professionally cleaned as well. If carpets are worn beyond cleaning, we can discuss cost-effective replacement options that will make a strong impression on buyers.

Pro Tip: Ask the cleaner to repair or stretch any rippled or loose areas while they’re there. Smooth, secure carpet not only looks better but also prevents it from becoming a red flag during inspections. A professional cleaning also eliminates lingering odors, giving buyers confidence that the home has been well cared for.

While you can absolutely tackle this yourself, hiring a professional cleaning service ensures every detail is addressed — from baseboards and ceiling fans to behind appliances. A sparkling clean home photographs better and makes a lasting impression on buyers. Consider keeping a cleaning service scheduled while your home is on the market to maintain that fresh, show-ready look for every appointment.

Pro Tip: Do a quick “touch-up” clean before each showing — wipe counters, fluff pillows, and check bathrooms — to keep the home feeling as inviting as it did on photo day.

As much as we love our furry family members, not all buyers feel the same. Arrange to have pets out of the house during showings whenever possible. On photo and video day, remove all visible signs of pets — bowls, litter boxes, beds, and crates — so the home appears spotless and distraction-free. This helps buyers focus on the home, not the pets.

Pro Tip: Keep a designated “pet tote” handy so you can quickly gather food bowls, toys, and other pet items before a last-minute showing. Also address pet odors by regularly cleaning litter boxes, vacuuming, and refreshing carpets so the home smells fresh and inviting to every buyer who walks in.

Buyers want to focus on the home, not the toy collection. A few neatly organized toys are fine, but store extra items — especially large or noisy toys — in a hall closet, bin, or storage container before showings. This helps rooms look more spacious and keeps attention on the features of your home.

Pro Tip: Keep a “showing basket” handy where you can quickly scoop up toys and art projects right before a showing — it makes last-minute prep much less stressful.

A fresh, clean scent is one of the first things buyers notice — and it sets the tone for how they feel in your home. Address the source of any odors rather than just masking them, as strong fragrances can be distracting. Empty trash bins regularly, wipe down kitchen and bathroom drains, and avoid cooking foods with lingering smells (like fish or garlic) right before showings. Subtle scents such as vanilla or citrus create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Essential oils or lightly scented candles are great options, but keep them minimal and neutral.

Pro Tip: Open windows for a few minutes before showings to let in fresh air — it makes the home feel brighter and more welcoming.

Staging is one of the most effective ways to help buyers emotionally connect with your home. In some cases, light staging — such as adding fresh pillows, artwork, or accessories — is all that’s needed. In others, full staging can completely transform the space. During our walk-through, we’ll recommend the best approach for your home and coordinate everything for you so the process is seamless.

Pro Tip: Staged homes not only photograph better, they often sell faster and for a higher price — making staging a smart investment.

Once your home is prepped, it’s time for professional photography and videography to showcase it at its very best. This typically takes place a few days before we go live on the market. Natural light is key, so we’ll plan to have all lights on and blinds open for the shoot. If weather conditions aren’t ideal — such as heavy clouds or rain — we may reschedule to capture the best possible images.

Your hard work will pay off — within 48 hours of the shoot, we can usually have your home’s custom website live and ready for buyers to view.

Pro Tip: Take a final walk-through the morning of the shoot to double-check counters, beds, and floors so every shot looks picture-perfect.

Before going live, take one last walk through every room and view your home as a buyer would. Look for anything that might distract — clutter on a counter, a crooked picture frame, or a dusty corner — and make quick adjustments. This final check ensures your home looks its absolute best when it hits the market.

Pro Tip: Walk through with fresh eyes or ask a trusted friend to do it with you — a new perspective can catch small details you might overlook.

Create a warm, welcoming environment for buyers during showings. Consider leaving bottled water and a small snack with a friendly note on the kitchen counter — it’s a simple touch that buyers love. Open blinds to let in natural light, turn on lights throughout the home, and play soft background music if possible to set the mood.

Be sure to secure valuables, including jewelry, cash, and prescription medications, before every showing for peace of mind. Whenever possible, remain flexible with showing times so we can accommodate serious buyers — this can make the difference in getting more offers.

Pro Tip: Leave the home a few minutes before the showing so buyers can explore freely and imagine themselves living there without feeling rushed.

We’ve guided clients through this entire checklist in as little as four days — and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible for you too. Our goal is to take the stress out of selling and handle the details alongside you every step of the way. If you need help, have questions, or would like referrals for trusted vendors, we have you covered. You’re never doing this alone — we are your partners in getting your home sold with confidence.