Preparing to Sell Your Home in Dallas-Fort Worth | OnDemand Realty

Exterior

- Remove peeling and chipped paint; replace with a fresh coat- Fix loose trim and fencing- Clear gutters and downspouts- Make sure all exterior lighting is clean and working- Clean and repair the roof as needed- Clear garage of clutter and tidy shelves - Paint or stain worn areas on wood decks- Remove grass growing in concrete cracks; sweep off debris from shrubs and trees- Clean outdoor furniture - Mow and trim grass; re-seed and fertilize where necessary- Prune all overgrown trees and shrubs- Weed flowers beds- Powerwash driveway and sidewalks

Kitchen & Bath

-Clean all floors, carpets, walls, and trim-Replace burned-out light bulbs -Fix dripping faucets-Organize pantry and cupboards so they appear clean, neat, and spacious-Clean the oven, cook top and microwave thoroughly-Set the table -Make sure sinks, tubs, showers, and countertops are clean and free of stains-Clean grout and remove soap stains from tile-Replace any missing or cracked tiles or grout -Make sure all fixtures, including heat lamps and exhaust fans are operating-Store all supplies, such as toilet paper, shampoo bottles and cleansers, out of sight

Living & Bedrooms

-Give rooms a fresh coat of paint as needed-Repair cracks and holes in ceiling and walls-Repaint any woodwork and basebords that are worn or chipped-Clean or replace draperies and blinds; open them to maximize light-Steam-clean carpets-Clean rugs and wood flooring, and remove any stains or odors-Position the furniture to showcase the size and space of the room-Remove and replace any attached items that you wish to move with you-Put away toys and hobby supplies; remove extra magazines and books from tables -Neatly make up the beds

Tidy Extras

-Use air fresheners or bake treats to make the house smell good-Plant flowers to brighten the walkway and enrich the entry-Remove any indoor houseplants that are brown or losing their leaves-Remove all “fixer” cars, campers, and boats from the property-Discard the clutter of magazines on the coffee and end tables-Tidy and declutter all closets-Hide or get rid of worn-out throw pillows-Store pet supplies-At night, turn on the porch light and outdoor lighting-Put away toys and hobby supplies; remove extra magazines and books from tables

Six Weeks Before Moving

• Decide what needs to be moved, donated, sold and discarded. If applicable, check with your employer to find out what moving expenses they will pay. Become familiar with the relocation policy and the benefits provided. • Set aside items that you would like to include in a garage sale, decide on the date and time, write and schedule the advertisement. • Set aside items that you are planning to donate to a charity. Contact the charity to schedule pick-up time and be sure to save the receipt for tax purposes. • Create a general inventory of what you are planning to move and select a mover. Get cartons and packing materials so that you begin packing some things as your time allows, unless you will have someone packing for you. Make arrangements with mover for payment of services, once you arrive at your destination. • Contact insurance agent and provide information necessary to transfer/cancel insurance coverage. • Return anything that you may have borrowed and retrieve anything you might have lent out.

Four Weeks Before Moving Checklist

• Notify all magazines, credit card companies, newspaper, etc. of change of address. Arrange for delivery of the newspaper in your new location, if desired. • Contact utility companies for refunds of deposit, determine turn-off date as well as arrange for utility services in the new location with appropriate turn-on times. • Service power mowers, boats, etc. that are to be moved. Drain all gas/oil to prevent fire in moving van. • Check with doctors and dentist for references in your new community and get copies of all family records and prescriptions. • Get children’s school records. • Check freezer and plan to use of food over next 2-3 weeks. • Make arrangements for television, computer and similar equipment hook-up at your new home so that they will be readily available to you upon move in. • Decide a plan for how to transport jewelry and other valuables. Rent a safe deposit box or find another safe place to prevent loss before and even during the move. • Set aside any pamphlets, operating information, guarantees or warranties that relate to items in your home. • Schedule house cleaning and/or other home services for the day following your move-out.

One Week Before Moving Checklist

• Have automobile serviced for trip. • Go the your local Post Office or USPS.com to obtain a change-of-address kit. • Check all furniture for dents and scratches and create a list of these. • A complete inventory must be created including all items, boxes, etc. that are included in your move. This is typically accomplished by your mover, but you must have a list of your own against which to make a comparison of their records on the final day. • Disconnect computers, stereos, Cameras etc. or make provisions for assistance with this task. Be sure to package all cords and remote controls in a safe place. • Pack a carton of sheets, towels, etc. so that you will not have to rummage through boxes for these items when you first arrive at your new home. • Separate cartons, luggage and other items you need for personal travel or plan to take with you and clearly mark them as DO NOT PACK. • Cancel all newspapers, lawn service, pool service, etc.

Moving Day Checklist

• Someone will need to be at the house the entire day, as last minute decisions must be made by you and inventory must be overseen. Don’t leave until after the movers have gone. • Hire a sitter or send the kids to a friend’s house for the day. • Prepare a carton with essentials you will need immediately upon arrival at your new home (e.g., toilet paper, cleaning materials, tools, coffee and pot, soap, paper towels and plates, etc.) and mark the carton UNLOAD ME FIRST. • Point out fragile or precious items to the movers and the driver. • Go through each room and area of the house and be sure that everything has been removed. • Clean out your refrigerator, wash and dry the interior and exterior and leave a deodorizer to keep it fresh-smelling. Unplug it if necessary. • Schedule disconnect all utilities and advise the Realtor who sold or is selling your house. • Lock all doors and windows. Advise your Realtor and neighbors that the house is empty.