GET YOUR HOME
​REAL ESTATE READY 
OR PRETEND LIKE YOU ARE
TO MAINTAIN YOUR HOME

​To get the best return on your home
you need to make your home look its best  
Here’s a checklist to help you do it

INSIDE YOUR HOME
​
​

WALLS & CEILINGS
Dirt, fingerprints or other stains?
Nail or thumb-crack holes, tape residue?
Cracks, chips, water damage?
Need for repainting or new wallpaper?
Neutral, light colours for roomy environment?

DOORS
Dirt, fingerprints or other stains?
Need new paint?
Open/close easily without squeaks?
Latches/handles secure and working properly?

WINDOWS
Glass sparkling clean/chip- and crack-free?
Open/close easily?
Handles/locks secure, working properly?
Dirt and fingerprints on frames or sills?
Screens clean and without holes?
Storm windows in good condition?

WINDOW COVERING
(curtains, drapes, blinds, etc.)
Dirt or stains?
Excessive wear or sun damage?
Open/close easily, hardware working properly?
Clean, organized, odour-free?

ENTRY & HALLWAYS
Clean and free of clutter or obstructions?
Mats/Area rugs clean and inviting?

CLOSETS & STORAGE
​Clean and well organized?
Clutter and excess junk removed?
Clothes hung neatly and not jammed together?
Shoes and boots neatly stored/stacked?

KITCHEN
Every surface sparkling clean?
Counter tops organized, all but daily use appliances?
Refrigerator spotless inside and out? Organized? Spoiled food discarded? 
Oven/stove top clean? Burner trays cleaned?
Sinks clean; faucets working properly and leak-free?
Garbage disposal in good working condition?
Cupboards/pantry spotless, organized?
Dishwasher clean and stain-free?

LIVING AREAS & BEDROOMS
Everything thoroughly vacuumed/dusted?
Excess furniture removed for roomier atmosphere?
Remaining furniture clean and in good repair?
Wood and other surfaces clean and polished?
Bookshelves neat, organized and clutter-free?
Children’s games/toys stored neatly?
Fragile items removed and stored?
Smaller valuables removed/locked away?
Window coverings open for views and sunlight?
Mirrors clean and in good repair?
Fireplace clean, logs/kindling stacked neatly?
 

BATHROOMS
Every surface sparkling clean?
Counter tops organized, free of clutter?
Fresh soap?
Sinks spotlessly clean? 
Faucets working properly?
Tub and shower surfaces clean?
Towels stain-free and hanging neatly?
Shower curtain clean and in good repair?
Toilet extra-clean and working properly?
Closets organized and clutter-free?
Medicine cabinet clean, “personal items” removed?

UNFINISHED BASEMENT, FURNACE ROOM, GARAGE & ATTIC Clean and well-organized? Clutter and excess “junk” Removed?  Remaining items stored/stacked neatly? Everything thoroughly vacuumed/dusted?  Garage can fit the vehicles?

OUTSIDE YOUR HOME

STRUCTURES
Exterior surfaces clean, in good condition?
Front-door exterior clean, inviting?
Eavestroughs and downspouts clean, in good repair?
Gates open/close properly, hardware working?
Fences/decks in good repair, in good condition?
Sidewalks and walkways in good repair?
Driveway clean, in good repair?

YARD & ENVIRONMENT
Driveways, sidewalks clear of snow, ice?
Lawns mowed/edged regularly?
Large bare spots repaired?
Leaves removed from lawns and flower beds?
Trees pruned, hedges trimmed?
Flower beds weeded and tidy; dead plants replaced?
“Junk” and scrap removed?
Lawn furniture clean, organized, good repair?
Bicycles, children’s toys stored neatly, out of way?
Firewood organized and neatly stacked?
Yard free of “doggy deposits”?

​created by April Anderson
2018