I was having coffee with Matt today and he was telling me about his work. He’s a real estate broker and appraiser with 30 years experience in the business, and has been working 10 hour days trying to keep up with his jobs and clients. An idea came to me…. I should pick his brain for all the things to check off when listing a home for sale and hosting an open house.
So he came up with this list off the top of his head and I typed up a handy checklist for you or anyone who is planning on selling your home anytime soon.
This list doesn’t include upgrades like remodeling kitchens and baths, fresh paint or new flooring. Those are all wonderful things that add value, this list is for homes that are being sold as-is. Lightly furnished or staged homes are ideal for an open house with minimal personal items on display.
Open House Checklist
Exterior:
Create welcoming entry (flowers/plants on porch)
Make sure doorbell works, also exterior lighting
Clean driveways (remove cars and oil stains)
Clear side yards of junk or clutter
Repair visible damage (cracks, broken shutters, etc.)
Clean exterior side of windows
Refresh landscaping: trim bushes, mow lawn, clear debris, add fresh bark
Interior:
Lockup or remove valuables
Clear clutter, minimize personal items
Empty dishwasher and kitchen sink
Clear and clean all kitchen countertops
Wipe down kitchen appliances
Clean bathrooms, all surfaces
Clean interior windows and mirrors
Mop/sweep/vacuum floors
Clean out garage (empty is best)
Repair any visible damage to doors, walls, cabinets, trim
Smooth sliding doors + no broken or sticking interior doors
Check all lightbulbs: chandeliers and sconces
One Hour Before:
Open curtains and blinds for maximum natural light
Open windows for fresh air (weather permitting)
Take out kitchen and bathroom garbage
Turn lights on in dark rooms
Put toilet seats down
Make beds, close closet doors
Set thermostat to comfortable temperature
Display plants/flowers in a few spaces
Create nice smell in the home (fragrance or baked cookies)
For your use I created this single page PDF pictured below. It includes a few lines to personalize your own home’s needs before an open house.
Click on link below to download 1 page PDF:
OPEN HOUSE CHECKLIST
Can you think of anything else? What are your suggestions to add to the list? Anything related to weather or location? Feel free to add your experience in the comments!
Clean up pet waste in the yard.
Coats and shoes should be put in closets.
Remove items from refrigerator front and sides.
Clean all window sills and door thresholds.
Add a centerpiece of fruit or flowers to the kitchen / dining tables.
Great suggestions! :)
What a great list. Thanks!
Clean up and put away pet bowls etc and take pets with you. If you have guns, lock and cover safe. We walked through one house that had huge stresses out shepherd crated in master and no sign to let us know he was in there AND man cave full of gun stuff out in workbench.
Yes agreed! No pet waste or food bowls :)
This is a really good list! I’ll make sure to bookmark it, thanks.
I gave my mum a list of things to do before viewings when we sold her place 2 years ago. She later told me that she’d thought I was being ‘namby pamby’ with tricks that wouldn’t work in her area. It sold at asking price on the first viewing!
These are all worthwhile things to do.
The list works!