Selling Ultimate Green Checklist
PREPARING TO SELL YOUR HOME
Uncluttering
Outside:
Lawn and Garden: fertilize, mow, trim; re-sod/reseed any bare spots; remove lawn ornaments
Walks, steps and driveways: clear away all items; remove weeds
Pet areas: Throughly pick up all debris
Extra vehicles: remove from curb view
Decks, patios and backyards: remove excess ornaments and furniture
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Inside:
Closets:
Remove and pack/store extra items
Clean or paint interior
Organize linen and group like clothing
Remove and pack or store extra sporting equipment
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Kitchen:
Clear counters; put away appliances, acessories, etc.
Remove and pack/store extra dishes
Consolidate extra food items
Remove notes, photos, magnets from refrigerator
Organize silverware, utensils and “junk” drawers
Clean or paint under the sink/organize and consolidate items
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Bathroom vanities, medicine cabinets:
Remove, pack, store and organize extra items
Remove stained or torn drawer and shelf liners
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Living areas:
Remove papers and magazines from tables
Remove extra furniture; arrange openness
Remove extra or unhealthy plants
Bookshelves: remove, pack, store and organize extra items
Collections: pack and store
Children’s play areas: pack, store and organize extra toys or games
Tool, shop and laundry areas: remove, store and organize extra items
Garage: organize tools and gardening equipment; remove extra items
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Cleaning:
Outside:
Windows: clean to shine
Walks, steps and driveways: sweep and remove stains
Siding, brick or stucco: hose off; use restoring product on vinyl or aluminum siding
Gutters/eavestrough and downspouts: hose out debris
Decks, patios and backyards: use a deck cleaner; hose off patios, wipe down lawn furniture, grills/barbeques and pool equipment
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Inside
Floors: remove old wax; scrub and wax to shine
Carpet: clean thoroughly, consider professional service
Walls: remove fingerprints, marks and cobwebs
Woodwork: clean and then polish wth a wood protector
Draperies and curtains: launder or dry clean
Lighting Fixtures: clean and polish, wash or replace bulbs
Windows, mirrors, glass cabinets: clean to a shine
Doorknobs, handles and pulls: clean and then polish wth a wood protector
Pet areas: clean thoroughly and deodorize
Odors: scrub all hard surfaces; use an odor neutralizer on upholstry, carpeting and draperies
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Kitchen:
Clean and polish cupboards - inside and out
Remove stains and mold from sinks, tubs and showers; clean grout
Clean appliances throughly - inside and out
Polish and clean sinks: remove stains
Clean and deodorize garbage areas; use a garbage disposal freshner
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Bathrooms:
Clean and polish vanities - inside and out
Remove stains and mold from sinks, tubs and showers; clean grout
polish mirrors and chrome to a shine
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Basement, Garage & Attic:
Sweep or vacuum floors and ceilings
Wash furnace, water heater, washer and dryer and other equipment
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Repairing:
Outside:
Doors and windows: repair screens, glass and door hardware, lubricate hinges
Siding: repair, replace or paint as needed
Gutters/eavestrough and downspouts: repair or replace as needed
Fences: repair, replace or paint as needed
Doorbells: make sure they work properly
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Interior:
Plumbing: repair leaks and make all repairs
Mechanical systems: have inspected and certified
Appliances: check bulbs; replace broken parts
Walls and ceilings: patch cracks, paint as needed
Windows: replace cracked pames, re-caulk as needed
Grout and caulking: patch or replace as needed
Hinges and knobs: tighten or replace as needed
Flooring: repair or replace as needed
Light fixtures: repair or replace as needed
Switch plates and outlet covers: repair cracked or mismatched plates
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Outside
Siding and trim: touch up or paint if needed
Lawn areas: remove any bold decorations
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Inside:
Floors: replace worn or dated vinyl or carpeting
Artwork: remove distracting or bold posters and art
Family photos and collections: remove extensive displays
Basement: paint floors and walls
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W alls:
Remove dated wall paper
Paint a warm, neutral colour; avoid cold whites
Use the same colour in rooms that flow together
Choose a warmer, neutral colour for bathrooms
Polish paneling or, if dated, remove or paint
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Showcasing
Curb Appeal: choose ideas that add elegance
Keep lawn mowed, shrubs trimmed, and gardens weeded
Set a potted shrub or topiary tree with annuals on steps or flank the door with matching pots;
Add new house numbers and a cushioned doormat
Polish or paint the door
Replace or paint the mailbox
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Entryway: Greet buyers with style and grace
Showcase a unique piece of furniture or artwork
Add a mirror to brighten the entry
Add drama with fresh flowers or a blooming plant
Add warmth and texture with an area rug
Add a dramatic new lighting fixture
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Kitchen: Showcase the heart of the home
Open a colourful cookbook on a stand
Add a new throw rug
Fill a decorative serving bowl with fresh fruit
Add a blooming plant where it can catch the sunlight
Replace worn curtains with mini blinds or valance
Paint worn or dated cabinets and add new hardware
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Bathrooms: Create a luxurious, relaxing feeling
Use plush new towels and rugs to soften hard surfaces
Tri-fold towels and hange in layers on towel bars
Stack guest or hand towels neatly on a vanity
Add new fabric shower curtain
Highlight tubs or vanities with colourful bath oils and salts
Use a new bar of unscented guest soap for showings
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Bedrooms: Convey privacy and comfort
Roll back a plush comforter to show layers of blankets
Add curtains or valances to rooms without them
Add artwork for elegance
Stack a few books on a nightstand
Arrange toys in children’s rooms to show a quiet play place
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Living, Family and Dining Rooms: Suggest comfortable family times and entertaining
Drape an afghan over a chair or sofa to suggest relaxation
Add decorative pillows to sofas and chairs
Add fresh flowers to a coffee table
Add art pieces to a bookcase to suggest multiple uses
Dining Rooms:
Add a bouquet of fresh flowers
Display a serving piece or candles on the table
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Backyards, Decks and Patios: Suggest leisure activities .
Arrange the barbeque grill and lawn furniture to suggest an outdoor meal
Set out a lawn game
Group colourful pots of annuals on a deck or patio
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Viewings and Open House
Exterior:
Pick up lawn tools and toys
Pick up after pets
Remove obstructions from curb view
Clear driveways and walk areas
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Interior:
Do a once-over cleaning:
Vacuum, sweep and dust
Empty wastebaskets, pick up dirty clothes
Put away personal care items in bathrooms
Clean all sinks and faucets with glass cleaner
Make sure rugs are clean and straight
Freshen carpets, draperies and upholstry with an odor neutralizer
Clean pet areas and remove pets, beds and toys
Open shades and drapes
Set a comfortable temperature
Turn on all the lights
Open windows to freshen rooms
Arrange fresh flowers in key areas
Play soft music and turn off the television
Turn off all work sounds (dishwashers, washers, dryers, etc.)
Final check every room
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