Use this checklist to get your house ready for sale:

Carpet & Flooring

• steam clean carpets thoroughly, if you have pets or smoke you may want to hire a professional to deodorize as well
• replace any worn carpet if needed with new neutral colored carpet with thick padding so prospective buyers feel comfortable as they walk on your floors
• make sure carpets are secure. Stretch and tack down any loose or curling carpet
• make sure carpets are always vacuumed, clean and pet hair free for showings
• if you replacing lino flooring, choose a neutral colour that will have wide appeal, tile is also another option that adds value to your home
• if you have hardwood floors with room'size rugs, get the hardwood into it's best conditions with non'slip floor polish or coating to make it shimmer
• mop and vacuum floors
• replace worn out vent covers
• Thoroughly clean lino floors in kitchen and bathrooms

Clean & De-Clutter

• clean all appliance: fridge, stove, dishwasher etc. inside and out
• clean or dry clean all curtains, drapes and blinds
• clean or purchase new front door hardware
• clean and declutter the entryway carefully; it's the buyers fist impression of your home
• clean the inside of all kitchen and bathroom cabinets and neatly organize items on shelves
• clean windowsills and windows
• doors should be oiled, clean and squeak-free
• empty trash cans, recycling bins and ash trays
• ensure all doors, cabinets and drawers can open completely without any blockages
• exterminate any insect problems
• have a garage sale before the home is listed to get rid of items you no longer need, any left over items can be donated the kiwanis market
• hire a professional cleaning service, once a week while the house is on the market
• if needed, remove clutter by renting off-site storage space
• keep baseboards clean and dusted
• keep bookshelves, entertainment units organized and neat
• keep clothing hung neatly and shoes organized
• clean and vacuum window and door screens
• keep shower curtains fresh and free of mildew
• clear stairways, corridors, entryways clear
• make bathrooms sparkle; sinks, toilets and tubs shoud be immaculate - try using windex on metal surfaces such as faucets
• organize closets
• remove all kitchen appliances from counters to give a spacious, tidy look
• remove oil spots from garage and driveway

Exterior - Painting & Improvements:

• paint front door, door frame and garage door - consider a bright colour if your home lacks interest or curb appeal
• paint exterior fixtures
• paint or replace mailbox
• paint or re-stain fence if it is peeling or dirty
• paint over any rust spots or streaks on downspouts
• Paint shutters, make sure they are hanging straight
• paint window ledges
• paint or replace door handle and knockers
• remove rust and paint dated railings
• repair any damage to chimneys
• repair holes in gutters and any separations in eaves
• repair or replace old or missing shingles or tiles from the roof
• sand and repaint areas with peeling paint
• seal cracks on proch and remove any standing water if concreate. If wood, secure railings and seal or paint as necessary

Interior Paint Improvements:

• Add new wallpaper if the current wallpaper is torn or withered. Make sure it adheres to the wall
• paint or re-stain woodwork like stairwell railings, doors, door frames is dated, old or dirty
• have leaks repaired and water marks covered
• repaint any faded, worn, stained or dated interior walls
• make sure any cracks in walls and ceilings are repaired and repainted
• paint window frames if needed, oil hinges if squeaky
• tone down bright coloured rooms with neutral paint to appeal to more buyers

Kitchen and Bath Improvements: 

• if appliances are included with sale of the home, make sure they are operating and have warranties and operating instructions available to buyers
• replace damaged or missing tiles
• re-touch or re-paint kitchens and bathrooms if the colour is dated or worn
• repair damaged counter tops, sinks or tubs
• repair leaky faucets
• re-caulk damaged caulk in shower, sinks, tub or toilet
• clean grout and tiles
• paint, re-stain or touch up worn or dated kitchen cabinetry
• tighten or replace loose doorknobs or cabinet pulls, sticking doors and drawers or wobbly hinges
• replace toilet seat if not perfect
• replace appliances if dated or not functioning

Lighting Improvements:

• clean all switch plates and switches
• clean skylight, windows etc to allow more light in
• increase wattage of bulbs to maximum possible wattage
• install dimming switches in common rooms such as dining rooms and living rooms to allow lighting for different occasions
• install new window treatments if those you have are damaged or dated
• keep curtains open and use natural light as much as possible
• make sure all outdoor lighting works
• prune outside trees to allow in as much natural light as possible
• turn on lights for all showings
• clean all light fixtures
• if a night showing turn on all outside lighting

Plumbing & Electrical Improvements:

• ensure all faucets and drains are clean and free flowing
• toilets should flush property with no leaks
• clean or replace dated, dirty or broken bathroom fixtures
• have your well inspected and repaired if needed before listing
• if needed, hire plumber to replace rusting pipes or galvanized plumbing
• inspect, clean and change filter in furnace
• ensure smoke alarms and security devices are functional
• repair doorbell if broken
• service any sprinkler systems - leave detailed instruction if using underground irrigation

Yard Improvements;

• add colourful plants or flowers near front door and porch area
• consider re-painting or staining a deck if needed
• repair fences if needed
• keep firewood stacked neatly
• keep trash area clean and organized
• keep walks, steps and driveways obstacle free
• mow, water and fertilize the lawn
• power wash exterior of house and deck
• prune trees and bushes
• rake fallen leaves
• remove unnecessary items such as gardening equipment 
• remove signs such as beware of dog
• remove weeds and dead plants or flowers
• replace welcome mat at the doorway
• resod dead spots on the lawn

Home Staging:

• clean fireplace and prepare with logs to display
• clean out entry closet and put only a few hangers so buyers can visualize their coats haning there
• consider lighting the fireplace during the cooler months
• hang some artwork on the walls, avoid family photos and contraversial items
• hang new towels in the bathrooms
• place a vase of fresh flowers or a bowl of oranges on the kitchen table to add appeal
• make beds, tidy rooms
• put large furniture in storage
• open drapes to allow in light
• play soft music during showings
• put cedar chips in closets
• remove and store all unecessary items in basement and attic
• remove magents, photos etc. from the fridge
• remove all personal possessions, photos, trophies etc. so the buyer can visualize themselves living in the home
• set the dining room table for a dinner party
• tag or remove items not included for sale (ie water conditioner, chandelier, plants, etc.
• lock pets up away from home during showings