Pre-Listing Repair Checklist
A Realtor-focused checklist for identifying repairs before a home goes to market.
This resource is designed for serious property decisions: repair planning, maintenance review, owner communication, turnover preparation, inspection follow-up, and investment due diligence.
How to Use This Resource
- Walk the property slowly and document each issue with photos where helpful.
- Separate safety, water intrusion, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, structural, and access issues from cosmetic improvements.
- Assign each item a priority: urgent, pre-occupancy, 30-day, 90-day, annual, or future improvement.
- Use the notes area to capture vendor questions, owner decisions, budget assumptions, and follow-up actions.
- For unclear conditions, request review from the appropriate licensed professional or qualified trade partner.
Curb Appeal & First Impression
- Review landscaping, mulch, lawn, pressure washing, driveway, walkway, entry door, house numbers, lighting, mailbox, and exterior cleanliness.
- Check exterior paint, stucco/siding cracks, trim, fascia, soffits, gutters, screens, windows, and visible roof concerns.
- Identify low-cost presentation improvements that increase buyer confidence before photography and showings.
- Remove debris, stored items, excessive outdoor furniture, and visible maintenance clutter.
Inspection Objection Prevention
- Test GFCI outlets, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, lights, fans, doors, windows, locks, appliances, garage door, and plumbing fixtures.
- Repair obvious leaks, running toilets, slow drains, loose fixtures, missing covers, damaged screens, and unsafe handrails.
- Review HVAC operation, filter condition, thermostat function, water heater area, electrical panel access, and visible safety concerns.
- Identify roof, water intrusion, electrical, plumbing, or structural concerns that may require specialist review before listing.
Interior Presentation
- Patch visible drywall damage, touch up paint, repair trim, adjust doors, tighten hardware, and replace missing or damaged plates.
- Review flooring condition, trip hazards, loose transitions, stained carpet, damaged planks, cracked tile, and thresholds.
- Improve kitchen and bathroom presentation with caulking, hardware adjustments, fixture repairs, cleaning, and minor updates where justified.
- Confirm odors, pet damage, smoke residue, mildew, clutter, and cleanliness issues are resolved before photography.
Seller Decision Priorities
- Prioritize safety, water intrusion, visible damage, inspection-trigger items, and high-visibility repairs first.
- Avoid over-improving items that will not support price, speed, inspection strength, or buyer confidence.
- Separate must-fix items from optional presentation upgrades.
- Use a repair budget and deadline tied to photography, listing date, showings, inspection period, and closing timeline.
Realtor Coordination
- Create a pre-listing punch list with item, priority, estimated cost, responsible party, and target completion date.
- Share before/after photos for seller confidence and listing preparation records.
- Confirm all repairs are completed before photography where possible.
- Document any known unresolved items so they can be discussed strategically before buyer inspection.