The Home Prep Checklist

Get it market-ready.

Presentation, not renovation. A room-by-room checklist to help your home photograph beautifully and show well, without spending money a buyer will undo.

Download the free PDF Get my home value

Our default: don't renovate. Most buyers will put their own stamp on the home, so upgrades rarely pay you back and they delay your launch. Everything below is cleaning, editing and staging. Anything beyond that, we decide together for your specific home.

Curb appeal

Power wash driveway, walkways and siding
Trim hedges and trees, fresh mulch
Two potted plants at the entry

Whole house

Touch-up paint only where walls are worn
Replace burned-out bulbs, match color temperature
Clean windows inside and out
Fix squeaks, sticky doors and loose handles
Remove personal photos and clutter
Service HVAC and replace filters

Kitchen

Clear countertops except 2–3 styled items
Deep clean appliances and grout
Fix dripping faucets
Organize pantry and cabinets (buyers open them)

Bathrooms

Re-caulk tubs and showers
New white towels and bath mat
Clear vanities

Bedrooms and living

Remove extra furniture so rooms feel larger
Crisp white or neutral bedding
Open blinds, show the light and views
Edit closets to half full

Outdoor living

Clean patio furniture, add cushions
Fire pit and BBQ clean and working
Pool and spa sparkling
String lights for twilight photos

Before photos

Hide cars, trash bins and hoses
Toilet seats down, cords hidden
All lights on, fans off
Fresh flowers in the kitchen

Before showings

Temperature comfortable, soft music
Pets and pet items out of sight
Valuables and medications locked away
Leave 15 minutes before the appointment

Paperwork

Permits and plans for past work
Warranties and manuals
HOA contact and documents
Utility average costs
List of upgrades with dates

Staging inspiration

What “market-ready” looks like.

See the full home

Edited surfaces, a calm neutral palette, layered linen and natural light. Small choices like these are what make a home photograph beautifully.

Clear surfaces, warm wood, one statement light

A furniture layout built around the fireplace

Questions sellers ask

The honest answer is usually "it depends."

Should I renovate the kitchen or baths before selling?

Usually not. Most buyers plan their own changes, so they pay for the home and its potential, not your new finishes. The exception is anything broken or anything a lender would flag.

Do I need to paint?

It depends on the walls. If paint is in good shape, leave it. Where it's scuffed or a bold color fights the photos, a touch-up can be worth it. We'll point to the exact rooms.

Is staging worth it?

It depends on the condition of the home. A vacant or dated home usually benefits from staging the key rooms. A well-kept, well-furnished home often just needs editing: less furniture, clear surfaces, open blinds. We'll walk it with you and tell you exactly which rooms matter.

Should I fix things before the buyer's inspection?

Safety items and anything a lender requires, yes. Cosmetic items are often better handled as a credit in escrow, so you aren't paying retail to fix what a buyer may change anyway.

Should I get a pre-listing inspection?

Sometimes. For older homes or when we expect questions, it removes surprises and supports the price. For newer or recently updated homes it's often not needed.

Who pays for prep, and when?

You do, but not up front if you'd rather not. We can advance approved costs like cleaning and staging under a short Cost Advance and Reimbursement Agreement signed with your listing agreement. Scope and amount are approved in writing first, you reimburse at closing through escrow, and if the listing is canceled or doesn't close, the agreement covers repayment.

How long does prep take?

Most homes are ready to photograph within 1 to 2 weeks of our walkthrough.

Next step

Want a pro's eye on your home?

We'll walk your home and give you a price range, an A, B, C pricing plan and an honest read on what's worth doing, if anything. Free, no obligation.

Request a walkthrough