• Involve the whole household in de-cluttering. It's a big job!
• Remove everything from an area
• Vacuum and wipe down
• Put items back that you love and want to keep!
• Donate or sell items that you no longer need

In your home search, now focus on the criteria you do WANT. A big back yard? A home with lots of natural light? Make a list and imagine what this new home might feel like!

• Rugs
• ​Upholstery
• Curtains
• Drapes
• Shower curtains
• Slipcovers (put slipcovers on while they're still damp for the best fit!)
• Get help from a professional carpet cleaner for carpets and big rugs

Now it's time to narrow down your list of available properties! Review your criteria and your options. We'll set up showings so you can see the properties!

• Clean behind the fridge and vacuum the coils
• Clean the garbage can and recycling bins
• Scrub grout in the kitchen and bath
• Clean out the dryer hose and vacuum the lint trap
• Clean blinds and dust light fixtures
• Vacuum hard-to-reach places,
• Clean plastic screens on TVs, computers, and other electronics

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There are a lot of little details in the final phase of getting your new home. We're going to make an offer and run through the appraisal and inspection process. We will handle all of these details for you--because let's face it--there's gonna be a lot of cleaning and packing to do soon!

A healthy home is one that is constructed, maintained, and rehabilitated in a manner that is conducive to good occupant health. To maintain a healthy home, occupants should keep it dry, clean, well-ventilated, free from contaminants, pest-free, safe and well-maintained. Good home maintenance can act to reduce allergens, prevent illness, and reduce injury from accidents. This checklist provides basic guidelines; items may need to be checked more often depending on local conditions and manufacturer suggestions.

YARD & EXTERIOR

• Water drains away from house
• No trip, fall, choking, sharp edge hazards
• Fence around pool intact
• Check for signs of rodents, bats, roaches, termites
• Clean window wells and check drainage
• Clean gutters and downspouts

EXTERIOR ROOF, WALLS, WINDOWS

• Shingles in good condition
• Check chimney, valley, plumbing vent, skylight flashing
• Make sure gutters discharge water away from building
• Check attic for signs of roof leaks
• Check for icicles and ice dams
• Look for peeling paint
• Look for signs of leaks where deck attaches to house
• Check below window & door that flashing intact
• Look for signs of leaks at window and door sills
• Clean dryer vent
• Check exhaust ducts are clear

BASEMENT & CRAWLSPACE

• No wet surfaces, puddles
• Sump pump and check valve working
• Floor drain working
• Vacuum basement surfaces

INTERIOR WALLS, CEILINGS, WINDOWS, DOORS

• Check operation of windows and doors

APPLIANCES

• Clean dryer vents and screens
• Clean exhaust fan outlets and screens
• Clean air conditioning coils, drain pans
• Clean dehumidifier coils, check operation

ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

• Check for damaged cords
• Test ground fault interrupters
• Check smoke and CO alarms

GARAGE

• Ensure storage of fuel cans
• Proper operation of garage door safety shut-off
• Check for signs of water damage
• Check for signs of rodents, bats, roaches, termites

PLUMBING, FIXTURES & ACCESSORIES

• Clean & check refrigerator drip pan-icemaker connections
• Check shower-tub surrounds for signs of damage
• Check traps and drains under sinks, tubs, showers for leaks
• Check drain and supply time for leaks
• Check bath and kitchen fans operation

HVAC EQUIPMENT

• Air conditioner (central air merv 8)
• Dehumidifier