Real Estate Prep List
Use this list below as a general guideline of how to prepare your house for an MLS listing.
Exterior front and back
o Remove cars from driveway o Close garage doors
o Close all windows
o Sweep walkways
o Pick up leaves, sticks, branches
o Remove any cob webs
o Put all toys and bicycles away
o Store away all seasonal Décor
o Stow garden tools and supplies
o Remove all hoses
o Straighten up any deck/outdoor furniture
o Clean pool area
Interior Main areas
o Remove personal items/photos
o Remove all visible clutter
o Open shades/blinds
o Replace burned out light bulbs
o All bulbs should be the same temperature ALL incandescent or ALL compact fluorescent.
o Tidy up or put away all children’s toys
o Empty waste baskets
o Hide pet dishes/toys/beds
o Vacuum carpets
o Sweep hard floors
o Remove newspapers, mail
o Display attractive books (if desired, it can be visually appealing in
images)
o Turn off TV’s
o Turn ON all lights
o **Remember All bulbs should be the same temperature ALL incandescent or ALL compact fluorescent.
o Remove all throw rugs to reveal actual flooring
o Clean and de-clutter fireplace mantel/hearth
o No more than 5 items including wall art
o Clean interior of fireplace
Kitchen area
o Remove all items from refrigerator door
o Store food in cabinets
o De-clutter counters, stove
o Stow small appliances
o Hide soaps, cleaning items
o Hide dish towels, sponges
o Clear sink of dishes
o Put away draining rack
o Organize items on open shelves
o Place bowl of fruit on counter (if desired, it can be visually appealing in
images)
Dining room area
o Straighten/push in dining chairs, space evenly
o Add centerpiece, candles (optional, but adds visual appeal)
o Set the table for dinner (optional, but adds visual appeal)
o Add a vase of flowers (optional, but adds visual appeal)
o Add a bottle of wine, glasses (optional, but adds visual appeal)
o Remove child seats/booster seats
Bedrooms
o Make the beds
o Arrange decorative pillows
o Put away clothing, shoes
o Clean under the bed (if visible)
o Clear night stands of all personal items
o Store all charging cords and phones/tablets
o Remove family photos from walls
o Remove personalized names from walls
o Remove stickers and posters
o Remove diaper genies
Bathrooms
o Make the bathrooms sparkle
o Hang fresh towels
o Clear counters of toiletries, toothbrushes, deodorant etc.
o Clean mirrors
o Clean toilet and close lid
o Remove all items from tub and shower
o Remove floor mats
Pets
o Place food and water bowls in pantry or closet
o Use lint roller on visible furniture
o Contain pets in hidden crate or outside
o Clear back yard of pet waste and toys
