Home selling checklist

Six weeks out: plan and schedule

• Walk the home with your agent and build a prioritized preparation list.
• Get bids for any larger work — roof, HVAC service, fence, major plumbing.
• Gather documents: survey, HOA rules, warranties, permits, update receipts.
• Decide your target list date and work backward from it.

Four weeks out: fix the visible

• Repair dripping faucets, running toilets, sticking doors and broken hardware.
• Replace burned-out bulbs and match color temperature throughout.
• Patch and touch up walls; repaint rooms with bold or worn finishes.
• Service the HVAC and replace filters; keep the receipt.
• Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks where it's discolored or cracked.

Three weeks out: reduce and depersonalize

• Remove roughly a third of your furniture from crowded rooms.
• Clear counters, mantles and dressers down to a few items.
• Pack most family photos, collections and anything personal.
• Empty closets to about two-thirds full so storage reads as generous.
• Organize the garage — buyers absolutely evaluate it.

Two weeks out: outside matters first

• Mow, edge, trim shrubs, refresh mulch and pull weeds.
• Pressure wash driveway, walkways and siding where needed.
• Clean windows inside and out — this shows up immediately in photos.
• Paint or clean the front door, replace worn house numbers and mailbox.
• Stow hoses, trash bins, toys and yard equipment out of sight.

One week out: deep clean and stage

• Professional deep clean including baseboards, vents, grout and appliances.
• Address odors at the source: pets, smoke, drains, laundry, carpet.
• Light staging — fresh linens, simple greenery, consistent towels.
• Confirm every light works and open all blinds for photography.
• Plan where pets and valuables go during showings.

Photo day and launch

• Cars off the driveway and street in front of the home.
• Toilet lids down, trash cans hidden, pet bowls and litter boxes stored.
• All interior lights on, ceiling fans off.
• Review photos with your agent before the listing goes live.

While you're on the market

• Keep a fifteen-minute reset routine ready for last-minute showings.
• Review feedback and traffic weekly with your agent, and act on patterns.
• Have inspection-adjacent items — attic access, panels, crawl spaces — reachable.
• Keep utilities on through closing so systems can be tested.

Under contract

• Complete your seller's disclosure carefully and honestly.
• Make agreed repairs with licensed pros and keep the invoices.
• Coordinate movers, utility transfers and closing logistics early.
• Leave manuals, remotes, gate codes and spare keys for the buyer.