Published · Updated · 7 min read
Most of what makes a house ready to sell isn't expensive: it's clearing what doesn't need to be there, fixing small things, and cleaning thoroughly. The order you do it in matters. Clear first, repair second, clean last—otherwise you'll end up doing the same work twice.
Your real estate agent knows your Sarasota-area market and should guide decisions about pricing, staging, and which improvements are worth making. Use this checklist alongside their advice.
If you’d rather hand the work to a team, see our pre-listing home preparation in Sarasota.
Step 1: Clear and declutter
- Remove everything you're not moving to your next home
- Clear countertops, tabletops, and the tops of refrigerators
- Thin out closets so they look roomy
- Empty the garage and storage spaces enough to show their size
- Remove most personal photos and collections
Step 2: Make small repairs
- Patch nail holes, dings, and cracks; touch up paint
- Fix doors and drawers that stick or don't latch
- Replace burned-out bulbs and mismatched or broken fixtures
- Repair leaky faucets and running toilets
- Re-caulk tubs, showers, and sinks where it's discolored
- Replace damaged window screens and torn lanai screen panels
Step 3: Deep clean
- Kitchen: inside and out of appliances, cabinet fronts, and backsplash
- Bathrooms: grout, glass, fixtures, and exhaust fans
- Floors: deep clean carpet and polish tile and hard floors
- Windows and sliding-door tracks, inside and out where reachable
- Baseboards, light switches, ceiling fans, and AC vents
Florida checklist: humidity, storms, and associations
Florida's heat, humidity, and storm season shape what buyers and inspectors look for. These are general suggestions; your agent and inspector can tell you what matters most for your house.
- Keep the air conditioning running in a closed-up house and check closets, behind furniture, and grout for mildew
- Look for ceiling stains that could point to a past roof or AC leak, and ask a specialist about anything you find
- Clean the lanai, pool deck, and screen enclosure, and replace torn screen panels
- Wash down rust and salt residue on outdoor fixtures, railings, and sliding doors
- During hurricane season (June through November), plan exterior work early and know where outdoor furniture and loose items will go if a storm is forecast
- In a condo or HOA community, ask about rules for contractors, move-outs, signs, and work hours before scheduling
Before photos
- Open blinds and replace any dim bulbs
- Remove vehicles, trash cans, and hoses from view
- Make beds and set out fresh towels
- Do a final walkthrough with your agent's list
This guide is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. For decisions about an estate, consult the estate’s attorney or a qualified professional.