The 30-Day Pre-Listing Checklist

Getting a home market-ready doesn’t have to take months—or your sanity. Break it into four weekly sprints and you’ll hit launch day confident, clean, and camera-ready.

Week 1 — Plan & Purge

• Align on strategy. Let's meet to set a realistic price range, timing, and must-do vs. nice-to-do prep. Pull utility averages, recent upgrades, warranties, and HOA info into one folder.

• Declutter faster. Work clockwise room-by-room with four bins: keep, donate, sell, toss. Aim for three boxes a day; schedule a donation pick-up now so the deadline moves you.

• Edit surfaces. Clear kitchen and bath counters (leave one attractive item per surface), thin out bookshelves, and remove 50% of knick-knacks.

• Deep clean foundations. Baseboards, vents, switch plates, inside fridge/oven, cabinet fronts, and fans.

• Smell test + pet plan. Neutralize odors (baking soda in trash cans, enzyme spray for pet areas). Decide where pets go during showings.

Week 2 — Fixes That Sell

• Light & paint. Replace burnt bulbs with matching warm LEDs; patch nail holes; touch up walls/trim in a light neutral.

• Water & safety. Fix drips, running toilets, and slow drains. Refresh caulk & grout; test smoke/CO detectors; swap HVAC filter.

• Doors & details. Tighten hinges, lube sticky locks, replace tired doorstops, polish hardware.

• Curb appeal. Mow/edge, add fresh mulch, prune shrubs off the walkway, clean the mailbox/house numbers, and paint the front door.

• Systems snapshot. If your HVAC/roof is older, gather service records; consider a pre-listing handyman punch-out to tame small defects.

Week 3 — Stage & Shine

• Furniture for flow. Remove 1–2 bulky pieces; float sofas off walls; create defined zones (conversation, dining, work).

• Hotel-level linens. Crisp white bedding, fluffy white towels, neutral shower curtains.

• Hide the “noise.” Conceal cords, remotes, litter boxes, extra shampoo, and countertop appliances.

• Windows + sparkle. Wash glass inside/out; clean mirrors and chrome so they pop in photos.

• Porch polish. New doormat, seasonal planters, and a working porch light—your first impression starts here.

Week 4 — Photo Week & Launch

• Final scrub. Professional clean plus one last declutter pass (closets should look spacious, not stuffed).

• Media day. I will have pro photography, floor plan, twilight shots and social media videos.

• Show-ready bin. A tote for last-minute sweeps: microfiber cloth, wipes, laundry basket (for quick stash), room spray.

• Showing logistics. Lockbox access, lights-on policy, and a plan for kids/pets.

• Go-to-market. Target a Wednesday coming soon, then going "live" on Friday and an Open House for weekend traffic; align open house and social rollout (Reels/TikTok, neighborhood groups, email blast).

In a Hurry and don't have 30 days???  Here's the Weekend “Speed-Bump” Fixes (high ROI, low stress)

• New cabinet hardware or faucet in a dated bath

• Fresh mulch

• Statement light fixture over dining or entry

• Deep Clean!

What Not to Overdo

• Full kitchen remodels, major flooring changes, or trendy paint everywhere. Quick, clean, and neutral wins faster in most price points.  Bottom line... don't start ANYTHING until we sit down and develop a customized game plan for your home!

Call me today to schedule your FREE Consulation!  316-202-5515

Lesley Perreault, REAL Broker, LLC.