The Home Prep Guide

• ✓Buyers scroll fast — clean, bright, uncluttered photos earn the click.
• ✓A move-in-ready feel lets buyers picture themselves there.
• ✓Small visible flaws make buyers wonder what else was neglected.
• ✓You only get one first week on the market — make it count.

14 days out

• ✓Walk the home with fresh eyes (or a friend) and take notes.
• ✓Book any handyman, cleaner, or carpet work now.
• ✓Start packing items you will not need before you move.
• ✓Order anything on backorder (light bulbs, cabinet hardware, paint).

7 days out

• ✓Finish touch-up painting and small repairs.
• ✓Deep clean room by room (see the deep-clean list).
• ✓Clear and stage closets, pantry, and cabinets.
• ✓Tidy the garage, shed, and basement.

3 days out

• ✓Confirm the photo/video date and time with me.
• ✓Do a full declutter pass — counters, floors, surfaces.
• ✓Refresh mulch, mow, and edge the yard.
• ✓Replace any burned-out or mismatched light bulbs.

1 day out

• ✓Final clean of glass, mirrors, and fixtures.
• ✓Stage each room and remove personal items from view.
• ✓Set out fresh hand towels; empty all trash bins.
• ✓Plan where pets and cars will go for the shoot.

Listing-day morning

• ✓Open every blind and curtain; turn on every light.
• ✓Wipe counters and put away dishes, mail, and chargers.
• ✓Hide pet bowls, beds, litter boxes, and toys.
• ✓Move all vehicles off the driveway and out of view.

Surfaces

• ✓Clear kitchen counters down to one or two essentials.
• ✓Remove bathroom counter items into baskets or drawers.
• ✓Keep nightstands and dressers nearly bare.
• ✓Take down refrigerator magnets, papers, and photos.

Storage

• ✓Thin out closets so rods are half full — it reads as roomy.
• ✓Organize the pantry with labels facing out.
• ✓Box up off-season clothing and gear.
• ✓Clear the floor of every closet.

Personal items

• ✓Pack family photos, diplomas, and name art.
• ✓Stow collections, religious items, and political signs.
• ✓Remove valuables and any medications before showings.

Kitchen

• ✓Degrease the stovetop, hood, and backsplash.
• ✓Wipe cabinet fronts and clean inside the microwave.
• ✓Shine the sink and faucet; clear the drain of odors.
• ✓Empty and wipe the trash area.

Bathrooms

• ✓Scrub grout, re-caulk if it is stained or peeling.
• ✓Polish mirrors, glass, and chrome.
• ✓Replace stained or thin towels with clean white ones.
• ✓Make sure every drain runs clear and odor-free.

Whole home

• ✓Wash interior windows and wipe sills and tracks.
• ✓Vacuum and steam carpets; mop hard floors.
• ✓Dust blinds, baseboards, vents, and ceiling fans.
• ✓Air it out — neutralize cooking, smoke, and pet odors.

Worth doing

• ✓Tighten or replace loose handles, knobs, and towel bars.
• ✓Patch nail holes and touch up scuffed paint.
• ✓Fix dripping faucets and running toilets.
• ✓Replace cracked switch plates and dead bulbs.
• ✓Re-caulk tubs, showers, and sinks.

Usually skip

• ✓Major remodels right before listing.
• ✓Trendy finishes that may not match buyer taste.
• ✓Replacing working appliances purely for looks.
• ✓Anything we have not discussed against your list price.

Yard

• ✓Mow, edge, and trim shrubs away from windows.
• ✓Refresh mulch and pull weeds from beds.
• ✓In winter, keep the drive and walk shoveled and salted.
• ✓In fall, clear leaves before each showing.

Entry

• ✓Clean the front door and replace a worn welcome mat.
• ✓Polish or replace tired house numbers and hardware.
• ✓Add a simple potted plant by the door in season.
• ✓Make sure the porch light works and is bright.

Exterior

• ✓Power-wash siding, walkways, and the driveway.
• ✓Clean out visible gutters.
• ✓Store hoses, trash bins, and yard tools out of sight.
• ✓Wash exterior windows for the photos.

Living room

• ✓Pull furniture slightly off the walls to open the space.
• ✓Add one or two neutral throw pillows; fold a blanket.
• ✓Clear media clutter and wrangle cords out of sight.

Kitchen

• ✓Counters nearly clear; one styled element is plenty.
• ✓A bowl of fresh fruit or a small plant adds life.
• ✓Hide sponges, dish soap, and drying racks.

Primary bedroom

• ✓Make the bed with clean, neutral linens.
• ✓Clear nightstands to a lamp and one small item.
• ✓Open blinds for natural light.

Bathrooms

• ✓Set out fresh white towels, folded uniformly.
• ✓Clear the counter; hide personal toiletries.
• ✓Close the toilet lid for every photo and showing.

Dining & office

• ✓Set the table simply or leave it clean and open.
• ✓Clear the desk to a tidy, working surface.
• ✓Define the room’s purpose so buyers see the use.

Basement & garage

• ✓Clear walkways and group stored items neatly.
• ✓Sweep floors and add light if the space is dim.
• ✓Show off usable square footage, not storage piles.

Outdoor living

• ✓Stage the patio or deck with clean seating.
• ✓Sweep and tidy; store toys and tools.
• ✓Show the space as somewhere to relax.

The night before

• ✓Finish all cleaning and staging so nothing is left to do.
• ✓Replace every burned-out or mismatched bulb.
• ✓Wipe down glass, mirrors, and fixtures.
• ✓Charge nothing on the counters — hide cables and chargers.

Photo-day morning

• ✓Turn on every light in the house, including closets and ovens.
• ✓Open all blinds and curtains for natural light.
• ✓Move all vehicles off the driveway and away from the curb.
• ✓Hide trash and recycling bins out of view.
• ✓Put away pet bowls, beds, crates, litter boxes, and toys.
• ✓Take down or turn off TVs and computer screens.
• ✓Close toilet lids; square up towels and rugs.

For drone & video

• ✓Clear the yard of hoses, toys, tools, and bins.
• ✓Park vehicles down the street, not in front of the home.
• ✓Tidy the back yard, patio, and any waterfront or dock.
• ✓Plan to keep pets and people out of the shot during filming.

• ✓Property survey or plat map, if you have one.
• ✓Appliance and system manuals and warranties.
• ✓Records of recent improvements with dates and receipts.
• ✓Average monthly utility costs (gas, electric, water).
• ✓HOA documents, dues, and contact info, if applicable.
• ✓Permits for additions, decks, or major work.

• ✓Run a five-minute tidy each morning: counters, beds, sink.
• ✓Keep blinds open and a few lights on during the day.
• ✓Leave the home for every showing so buyers feel free to talk.
• ✓Take pets with you or arrange care during showings.
• ✓Secure valuables, medications, and any firearms.
• ✓I will confirm showing times with you through the lockbox system.