Maximize Your Sale: The Ultimate Seller Prep Checklist

Interior space with an archway leading to a cozy living room featuring a blue armchair, bookshelf, fireplace, and floor lamp. The room is well-lit with natural light on a hardwood floor.

1. Walkthrough & Planning

  • Walk through your home with a buyer’s lens to spot potential red flags

  • Identify cosmetic updates vs. necessary repairs

  • Discuss with your agent what’s worth fixing or upgrading for ROI

  • Create a timeline and budget for the prep process

Eight empty wooden clothes hangers on a black metal rod with a few green plant leaves visible.

  • Remove excess furniture to make rooms feel larger

  • Pack away off-season clothing, sports gear, and kids’ toys

  • Clear out kitchen counters, cabinets, and the fridge

  • Organize storage areas: closets, basement, garage, shed

  • Closets should not be more than 50% full.

  • Donate, sell, or store anything non-essential

  • Rent a storage locker if needed.

2. Decluttering

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3. Depersonalizing

  • Remove personal photographs, certificates, awards, or name signs — anything that signals “someone else lives here”

  • Take down religious, cultural, or political décor that may not resonate with all buyers

  • Clear fridge magnets, family calendars, kids’ artwork, and personalized notes from view

  • Remove any items tied to your hobbies, sports teams, or lifestyle that may distract buyers

  • Tuck away prescription medications, toiletries, and personal grooming products

  • The goal is to create a clean, neutral backdrop that allows buyers to picture their own lives unfolding in the space

Lemons and a spray bottle on a wooden surface in a kitchen setting.

4. Deep Cleaning

  • Hire professional cleaners for a full home detail if possible

  • Clean floors, windows, window tracks, walls, and ceilings

  • Scrub kitchens, bathrooms, baseboards, and behind appliances

  • Shampoo carpets and mop all hard surface floors

  • Wash interior and exterior of all windows

  • Clean vents, fans, light fixtures, and air returns

Close-up of hands using a Makita power screwdriver on a door lock.

5. Repairs & Maintenance

  • Fix any plumbing leaks, loose handles, broken fixtures, or cracked tiles

  • Re-caulk tubs, showers, sinks, and countertops

  • Replace or repair any damaged flooring

  • Ensure doors and windows open and close smoothly

  • Check and replace worn weather stripping

  • Touch up drywall dents or patch old nail holes

Paint roller with red handle against white background

6. Painting & Finishing Touches

  • Repaint bold or dark walls with neutral tones

  • Touch up baseboards, doors, and trim

  • Repaint front door or garage door for instant visual lift

  • Refresh any areas where walls are scuffed or stained

Modern white kitchen with island, stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, pendant lighting, and large window.

7. Kitchen & Bathroom Details

  • Declutter and organize all cabinets, drawers, and pantries

  • Clear countertops and leave only one or two decorative items

  • Replace outdated hardware if possible (handles, faucets)

  • Clean appliances inside and out — including oven and fridge

  • Consider replacing old grout or adding peel-and-stick backsplash for impact

  • Add clean towels, soap dispensers, and subtle styling

Minimalist pendant lamp against gray background

8. Lighting & Ambiance

  • Replace dim or dated light bulbs with bright, warm LEDs

  • Make sure every room is well-lit — especially bathrooms and kitchen

  • Open all curtains and blinds to let in natural light

  • Update old light fixtures if budget allows

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9. Safety & Accessibility

  • Secure or remove valuables and personal documents

  • Store away prescription medications

  • Ensure pathways are clear and tripping hazards are removed

  • Make the property easy to navigate for all types of buyers

Aromatherapy setup with reed diffuser, rolled white towel, two lit candles, and green leaves in a spa-like setting.

10. Scent & Air Quality

  • Eliminate pet, smoke, or food odors

  • Clean or replace HVAC filters

  • Use lightly scented diffusers or plug-ins in key areas

  • Air out the home daily in the days leading up to listing

Green lawn mower on grass

11. Exterior & Curb Appeal

  • Mow the lawn, edge borders, and trim overgrown plants

  • Weed flower beds and refresh mulch if needed

  • Power wash siding, steps, and driveway

  • Clean gutters and remove any debris

  • Wash or repaint the front door if needed

  • Add a new doormat and a few potted plants at the entrance

  • Ensure house numbers are visible and clean

Minimalist bedroom with a modern design featuring a black bed with a yellow pillow, two framed line art drawings on the wall, a gold wall lamp, and a round white nightstand with a potted plant.

  • Partner with your realtor or a professional stager to finalize the look of each space

  • Highlight the best features of the home while creating an aspirational, inviting atmosphere

  • Ensure rooms are clearly defined in their purpose (e.g., office, bedroom, dining area)

  • Keep decor minimal, neutral, and upscale

  • Final walkthrough to confirm flow, lighting, and finishing touches before photography or showings

12. Staging