Download this checklist as a PDF > Clark Realty Residential Seller's Checklist

Based on our sales team's experience in helping sellers get ready to sell their home, we've created this checklist of the most important things to think about and take care of before your property goes on the market. Be sure to discuss these items with your Realtor® because his or her advice will be invaluable to you as you go along.

Preparing to Sell:

• Have you walked across the street and looked at your house the way a prospective buyer will?
• Is your yard well-maintained?
• Have you removed the clutter from around the house? Is your storage area neat and tidy? How about the garage?
• Is the entry appealing? Would it help to dress it up with plants or paint?
• When you enter the house, is everything squeaky clean?
• Have your made sure there is no pet odor? No mildew?
• Does your house seem large and airy or small and cramped? Have you removed/discarded/stored all of the interior clutter?
• Are you using the highest wattage light bulbs permitted in your light fixtures? Do you have enough lights to show the property comfortably?
• Have you completed all the repairs that need to be made?
• Does your house look well-maintained?
• Has your Realtor® advised you on "staging" your home for showings?

Technical Issues:

• Have your property boundaries been staked? Are the stakes visible?
• Do you have a home inspection report from a certified home inspector?
• Has a termite report been completed?
• Do you have copies of building permits, inspection notices and inspection sign-offs for the improvements you've made to the property?
• Do you have a preliminary title report?

Marketing Issues:

• Is your asking price realistic?
• Do you know what's for sale in your neighborhood and, objectively, how your property compares?
• What are the strongest selling points about your property? Have you discussed them with your Realtor®?
• Are you prepared to show your property on short notice?
• Have you thought through your priorities when it comes to contract terms? What things you're willing to negotiate?
• Do you have time constraints that need to be met?
• Do you have professional photos of your property?
• Can you talk about the property as "the house" or are you still thinking of it as "our home"?