Home selling preparation checklist.

Planning

Decide the shape of the sale before any work begins.

• Write down your ideal move-out window and how flexible it really is
• List what has to happen elsewhere first (new home, job start, school term, family timing)
• Walk the home as if you were seeing it for the first time and note first impressions
• Agree within the household who makes decisions on showings and offers
• Book a preparation walkthrough with your REALTOR® before spending on projects
• Set a realistic preparation budget and separate must-do from nice-to-do

Documentation

Gathering paperwork early prevents delays later.

• Locate the deed, survey and any title paperwork you already hold
• Collect warranties and manuals for appliances, roof, windows and HVAC
• Gather receipts and permits for past improvements and repairs
• Pull recent utility bills so you can answer running-cost questions accurately
• Collect HOA or condo association documents, rules, budgets and assessment notices
• Note the age of the roof, furnace, water heater, air conditioning and major appliances
• Prepare accurate written disclosures about known conditions

Repairs & maintenance

• Fix dripping faucets, running toilets and slow drains
• Repair damaged drywall, trim and door frames; touch up paint
• Make sure every door, window and cabinet opens, closes and latches
• Replace burnt-out bulbs and match color temperature across each room
• Service the furnace and air conditioning and replace filters
• Clean gutters and check downspouts drain away from the foundation
• Reseal or recaulk tubs, showers and kitchen countertops where needed
• Repair loose handrails, steps, fence panels and gate latches
• Address visible moisture stains and identify the source before covering anything

Decluttering

• Clear countertops down to a few deliberate items
• Remove roughly a third of the contents of every closet and cupboard
• Empty the garage, basement and attic of anything you won't move with you
• Pack away seasonal clothing, bulky toys and stacked paperwork
• Reduce furniture so each room has a clear path to walk through
• Take excess off the refrigerator door, noticeboards and stair edges
• Book donation pickups or a disposal run and get the boxes off site

Cleaning

• Deep clean kitchens and bathrooms including grout, faucets and appliance interiors
• Wash windows inside and out, plus sills, tracks and screens
• Clean light fixtures, ceiling fans, vents and baseboards
• Shampoo carpets and clean or polish hard floors
• Wipe switch plates, door handles, banisters and high-touch marks
• Clean the inside of the oven, refrigerator and dishwasher
• Set a light, quick clean-up routine you can repeat before each showing

Curb appeal

• Mow, edge and tidy the lawn; refresh mulch and pull weeds
• Trim shrubs away from windows, walkways and house numbers
• Sweep the drive, path and porch; clear cobwebs from the entry
• Wash or repaint the front door and clean or replace the door hardware
• Straighten and clean gutters, shutters and exterior light fixtures
• Make house numbers clean, straight and easy to read from the street
• Store trash cans, hoses, tools and children's equipment out of sight

Safety & valuables

• Remove or lock away jewelry, cash, collectibles and small electronics
• Secure all prescription and over-the-counter medicine
• Take down personal documents, bank statements and mail from open view
• Log out of and secure computers, tablets and home office paperwork
• Store firearms and any hazardous materials securely and legally
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and replace batteries
• Decide how interior cameras and recording devices will be disclosed and handled
• Clear trip hazards: loose rugs, extension leads, garden tools and steps

Final readiness

• Walk the home with fresh eyes room by room and photograph what still bothers you
• Confirm every light works and choose which lamps stay on for showings
• Agree a plan for pets during photography and showings
• Prepare a short, factual highlights list for the marketing materials
• Decide where keys and access will be held, and who is allowed access
• Set the 15-minute reset routine you'll use before every showing
• Confirm what stays with the home and what leaves with you, in writing