LISTING CHECKLIST:
The Townley Team knows that preparing a house for showings and then maintaining a show-ready home can be tedious….But by putting our best foot forward and making a great impression during showings, we can help you get top dollar for your home! Spending a little money to showcase your property can help make you thousands more on you your home sale. A clean, organized functioning home implies that your home has been meticulously cared for, which is a major selling point for a potential buyer.
The below list of questions can help you focus on what helps highlight your home as well as fix some of the common issues that come up during showings and home inspections.
EXTERIOR:
Home Exterior:
- Does the house need repairs to siding or roofing?
- Do the siding and roofing need cleaning/power washing?
- Are the gutters clean?
- How are the flashing joints?
- Do windows or doors need fresh caulking?
- Are the window/door trim pieces in good shape? Do they need a touch up?
- Are there any decks that need to be power washed/stained?
- Are the storm windows, shutters, and screens in good shape?
- Do all of the windows and doors open easily?
- Do all of the exterior lights work?
- Is there a shed?
- Is the structure in good shape?
- Is the interior neat and tidy? (Aiming for ½ to 2/3 full)
Outdoor Systems:
- How do the outdoor air handlers look? Do they need some rust cleanup or repainting?
- Is there a pool or Jacuzzi? If so, are the pumps and filtration systems functioning?
- Is there an in-ground sprinkler system? Has it been checked?
- Is there a dock? Do the power and water work?
- Is there a generator? Has it been checked?
Landscaping/Yard:
- Have all plants been trimmed to prevent them from touching the house?
- Have the gardens and islands been:
- Weeded?
- Mulched?
- Trees/bushes trimmed?
- Flowers (for color pop) planted?
- Are the trees healthy? Are there any precarious branches or low-lying limbs?
- Has the grass been mowed and leaves raked?
- Does the ground around the house slope away from the structure around the entire perimeter?
- Do gutter spouts lead away from the structure?
- Does the fencing have any holes/damage or need repairing?
- Is any hardscaping in need of repair?
- Do the sidewalks/pavers/walkways need power washing?
- Is there any debris in the yard that needs removal? (trash, old vehicle, etc)
INTERIOR:
First Impressions:
- Are the lights all working?
- Are there any fluorescent bulbs? If so, gotta go!
- These bulbs take 5-10 min. to really warm up…too long!
- The average home showing is only 7 minutes long!
- Are the curtains and blinds open and are the rooms bright?
- Is the interior clean and clear of clutter?
- Is there an appropriate amount of furniture in each room?
- Are any rooms overcrowded? Too sparsely furnished?
- Is there a pet in the home?
- Have any pet odors, stains been thoroughly cleaned?
- Has all pet hair been thoroughly cleaned?
- Is there a strategy for your pet during showings?
- Is your pet people and child friendly?
- Is your pet a runner? If so, is there a prevention plan for showings?
- Are there any strong odors?
- Are any rooms or the basement musty?
- Do you use any strong air fresheners or perfumes?
- Strong scents can imply a “cover up”
- Are there any strong food odors in the kitchen?
BY ROOM:
KITCHEN:
- Remember: Everyone opens everything! They want to become familiar with spaces, condition, and organizational options. Things need to be clean and organized. Cabinets should follow the “2/3 full” rule. People should be able to see how much storage space there is, but they need to be able to visualize their own things in that space, not be overwhelmed by your things.
- Is the refrigerator/freezer clean, odor free, and organized?
- EVERYONE opens the fridge!!
- Are the oven and stove clean?
- Are cabinets clean and organized?
- Are the countertops mostly clear and clean?
- Counter space is key! Appliances that take up space should be stowed away
- Are all kitchen appliances working? (Disposal, dishwasher, ice-maker, etc)
- Does the kitchen get plenty of light?
- Sometimes we recommend adding some under-cabinet lighting (usually costs around $250-$500 depending on the size of the kitchen and can make a WORLD of difference)
- Is there grease buildup on the ceiling? Sometimes we forget to look up!
LIVING ROOM:
- Is the furniture laid out to highlight the space?
- Are the TV electronics cleanly set, up or do wires/cables need to be organized?
- Is there a fireplace?
- Has it been cleaned and is the flue functioning?
- Does the fireplace have a clean screen?
- Is there easy passage space throughout the room or does furniture impede travel?
- Does the room have an overwhelming amount of personal things?
- Ex. Is the room covered with picture frames, artwork and knickknacks?
- Artwork and knickknacks fall into the “½ full” category!
- Remember: we want buyers to focus on their life in your home, not yours…
DINING ROOM:
- Is the table sized appropriately? Sometimes smaller is better!
- Is the furniture in the room appropriately sized?
- Can all of the chairs at the table be easily sat in without moving furniture?
- Is the floor clean? Do any food stains, chair scratches need to be addressed?
- Is there easy passage from the kitchen to the dining table?
- Is there adequate lighting?
BATHROOMS:
- Are all of the bathroom amenities functioning and leak free?
- Do all of the bathrooms have exhaust fans? Are they working and dust free?
- Are there any signs of water damage around toilets that can be touched up?
- Are the toilets stain-free? Are the bowls AND back basins clean?
- Are countertops clear of clutter?
- Are medicine cabinets and vanities organized and follow the “2/3 full” rule?
- Are showers and baths clean and stain free?
- Has glass been cleaned and is clear?
- Does the tile and shower stall need any grout or caulking?
- Are there any areas of standing water?
BEDROOMS:
- Are the bedrooms laid out to maximize space?
- Is there an adequate amount of furniture and clear passage throughout room?
- Are the blinds and curtains open for natural light?
- Are the beds made and laundry put away?
- Are kids toys clean and organized?
- Are closets clean and organized? Are they 2/3 full?
BASEMENT:
- Is the basement musty or wet?
- Is it free of bugs and critters?
- Is there a walk-up stair? If so, is it clear and easy to use?
- Does it have a drain that is clear and functioning?
- Is it a walk-out basement? Are the doors and windows in good condition?
- Does the basement have good lighting throughout?
- Are any storage spaces well organized?
- Is there a sump pump? Is it functioning?
- Does the home have a radon system? Is it functioning?
ATTIC:
- Is there easy attic access?
- Is it ventilated?
- Is it well insulated without any holes or thin insulation?
- If used as a storage area, is it organized?
- Is there any evidence of critters nests?
- Are there any signs of roof damage or leaks?
- Is the weatherproofing of any exhaust or chimney flue in need of repair?
- Are all air handler flex ducts straight, smooth and kink-free?
GARAGE:
- Is there enough room in the garage for the number of cars it was designed for?
- Is the garage clean and organized?
- Are storage areas organized?
- Are there any oil stains from vehicles on the garage floor?
SYSTEMS:
- Has the air handler been serviced regularly and is it running properly?
- Have air filters been cleaned/replaced?
- Have air vents been dusted and cleaned?
- Is heat working?
- If the home has baseboard heat, has it been dusted and cleaned?
- Is the boiler clean and corrosion free?
- Is there a well? Is the water treatment system for the well functioning?
- Is there the appropriate amount of salt, bleach, etc. in the system?
- Is the water heater functioning?
- Is there an emergency generator? Has the oil been checked? System run?