Property Preparation Checklist
By Adam van Olden
Use this checklist as a guideline for getting your home ready for photos and open house days. Presenting your house is the most important thing you as a seller can do to bring in the highest offers and help your home sell quickly. The goal is to give potential buyers the freedom to let their minds wander about what they might do with that space.
General Preperations​
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Turn on all lights and lamps, replace any burned out light bulbs
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Close all windows and open blinds/ window treatments to let in outside light
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Create open space by removing unneeded furniture and clear countertops and shelves
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Turn off all TVs and computer screens
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Remove personal photographs
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Remove small floor rugs to reveal actual flooring
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Place all shoes/ jackets in closets
Exterior Areas
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Move cars from driveways and front of the property
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Close garage doors
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Remove garbage bins
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Mow and edge grass front & back, trim overgrown trees and bushes
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Remove any toys and sports equipment
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Remove visible water hoses, empty planters and garden tools
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Sweep up trimmings and leaves
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Clean pool area
Kitchen & Dining Area
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Straighten/push in chairs
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Clear countertops off completely
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Remove any small appliances (toaster, kettles, coffee maker, …)
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Remove fridge magnets and photos
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Store dishes and put away drying rack
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Hide soaps and cleaning items
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Remove visible garbage bins
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Add a center piece such as flowers, candles or fruits to the tables
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Hide tea towels
Living & Family Room
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Arrange the furniture to make room look large
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Remove magazines and papers
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Remove any gym equipment
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Clear clutter from shelves and tables
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Hide all remotes
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Hide loose home theater cables
Bathrooms
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Clear countertops completely
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Remove toothbrushes and shavers
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Clean all mirrors and bench tops
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Hang fresh towels
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Clean toilet and close lid
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Remove floor mats
Bedrooms
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Remove any visible clothes and clutter
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Hide personal items and visible cables
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Close all closets
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Make beds and straighten pillows
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Remove items from bed side table
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Clean under bed, remove items which might show
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If possible remove personal images and wall stickers