Resources for sellers
Pre-Listing Priority Checklist
The five-priority checklist Justin and Kelly use on every pre-listing walkthrough in Northern Colorado. Fix what concerns a buyer before you spend on how the home looks.
5 priorities · 92 items. Work from the top.
Priority 1
Safety, Function and Buyer Confidence
These items should generally be addressed before cosmetic improvements because they may concern buyers, real estate agents, inspectors, appraisers or lenders.
Licensed trades may be required for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, structural, environmental or other regulated work.
- Active plumbing leaks
- Loose toilets or leaking toilet seals
- Leaking faucets, supply valves or drain connections
- Missing or nonfunctional smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms
- Loose electrical devices or damaged cover plates
- Nonfunctional switches, outlets or light fixtures
- Exposed wiring or obviously unsafe electrical conditions
- Loose stair railings or handrails
- Trip hazards
- Broken steps, decking or porch boards
- Exterior doors or windows that do not lock
- Broken or missing safety glass
- Signs of active water intrusion
- Damaged drywall caused by unresolved leaks
- Missing bathroom exhaust ventilation
- Major appliance installation or operational concerns
- Garage-door safety or operational issues
- Obvious exterior rot or loose siding and trim
- Significant drainage concerns near the foundation
Priority 2
Deferred Maintenance
These items may suggest to buyers that the property has not been maintained.
- Doors that stick, drag or do not latch
- Loose cabinet doors, drawers or hardware
- Damaged window screens
- Cracked or missing caulk
- Loose baseboards, casing or trim
- Minor drywall damage
- Nail holes, anchors and wall blemishes
- Damaged doorstops
- Missing transition strips
- Loose towel bars, toilet-paper holders or closet shelving
- Worn weatherstripping
- Dirty or damaged vent covers
- Missing blinds or damaged curtain hardware
- Minor siding, soffit or fascia damage
- Loose fence boards, gates or hardware
- Worn exterior sealant
- Damaged switch and outlet covers
- Burned-out or mismatched light bulbs
- HVAC filter replacement
- Gutter and downspout concerns
Priority 3
Visual Presentation
These improvements help buyers see a clean, cared-for and move-in-ready home.
- Wall touch-ups
- Neutral interior paint
- Consistent sheen and color
- Fresh trim, baseboard and door paint
- Carpet cleaning or replacement
- Flooring repairs
- Updated lighting
- Updated cabinet hardware
- Fresh kitchen and bathroom caulk
- Grout cleaning and touch-up
- Bathroom accessory updates
- Closet organization
- Removal of overly personal décor
- Furniture editing and placement
- Improved room flow
- Updated window treatments
- Consistent color temperature in lighting
- Deep cleaning
Priority 4
Curb Appeal
The exterior establishes the buyer’s expectations before they enter the home.
- Clean and clearly visible house numbers
- Functional exterior lighting
- Clean front door and hardware
- Front-door paint or refinishing
- Pressure washing
- Cobweb and debris removal
- Touch-up painting
- Trim and siding repairs
- Fence and gate adjustments
- Fresh mulch or decorative rock
- Shrub and tree trimming
- Weed removal
- Defined landscape edges
- Seasonal porch styling
- Clean windows and screens
- Clean driveway, walks and porch
- Simplified outdoor furniture and décor
Priority 5
Strategic Updates
These improvements should be selected based on price point, competition, neighborhood expectations and anticipated return.
- Full-room painting
- Whole-home paint refresh
- Carpet replacement
- Luxury vinyl plank or other flooring updates
- Vanity replacement
- Faucet and fixture updates
- Mirror and lighting replacement
- Cabinet painting
- Backsplash replacement
- Countertop replacement
- Kitchen hardware packages
- Appliance replacement
- Interior door replacement
- Built-in or shelving updates
- Laundry-room refresh
- Entryway transformation
- Exterior color updates
- Larger deck, porch or fence repairs
Not sure where your home lands?
We will walk it with you and sort the list.
Every Market-Ready collection starts with this checklist and a written priority matrix.