Pre-Sale Home Checklist: What Fairfax Homeowners Must Fix Before Listing

If you're preparing to sell your home in Fairfax County, VA, first impressions and functional integrity are everything. Even in a strong real estate market, the smallest oversight—like a cracked tile or outdated fixture—can cause buyers to second guess or lower their offer.

At House Make Up, we help homeowners across Northern Virginia prepare their properties for a successful sale through our free 40-point pre-sale home check-up. In this guide, we outline the ultimate pre-sale home checklist, focused on the most important things Fairfax homeowners should fix before listing their home.

🛠️ Why Pre-Sale Home Preparation in Fairfax County Matters

Buyers in Fairfax VA are often well-informed and competitive. Homes that look well-maintained and updated tend to:

• Sell faster
• Attract higher offers
• Pass inspections with fewer issues
• Reduce the risk of buyer negotiations falling through

Whether you're working with a realtor or going the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route, a properly prepared home can lead to a much smoother closing.

✅ Pre-Sale Home Checklist: 10 Key Fixes Before You List

1. Exterior Repairs & Curb Appeal Enhancements

Your home's exterior is the first thing potential buyers see.

Fix or improve:

• Damaged siding, gutters, or roof shingles
• Cracks in the driveway or walkway
• Peeling paint on trim, shutters, or doors
• Dirty or broken exterior lighting
• Landscaping and lawn maintenance

📍 Fairfax County Tip: Seasonal curb appeal updates (like mulch, bushes, or power washing) are a low-cost, high-impact investment.

2. Painting & Touch-Up Work

Interior painting in Fairfax County is one of the most effective, low-cost ways to enhance the appeal of your home.

Recommended painting updates:

• Neutral colors for walls (light gray, beige, off-white)
• Trim, baseboards, and doors touch-up
• Cabinet repainting if they look outdated
• Front door repaint for stronger curb appeal

ROI: A fresh coat of paint can yield an 80–110% return on investment.

3. Flooring Repairs or Replacement

Buyers notice floors immediately. Worn carpet, scratched hardwood, or broken tiles are red flags.

Consider fixing or replacing:

• Stained or loose carpet
• Cracked or chipped tile
• Peeling vinyl flooring
• Floor transitions and thresholds

Popular upgrades in Fairfax homes include Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) for its modern look, water resistance, and durability.

4. Kitchen Improvements

The kitchen is a key selling point for any home. You don't need a full remodel—just strategic updates.

What to fix before listing:

• Outdated cabinet hardware or fixtures
• Broken drawers or cabinet doors
• Stained or outdated countertops
• Non-functioning appliances
• Grout or tile damage

Even minor improvements can give your kitchen a "like new" feeling.

5. Bathroom Upgrades

Buyers expect bathrooms to be clean, bright, and modern.

Pre-sale bathroom checklist:

• Leaky faucets or showerheads
• Moldy caulk or grout
• Outdated vanity or mirror
• Water stains or drywall damage
• Replace dated lighting or hardware

You don't need luxury upgrades—just clean, efficient, and fresh-looking.

6. Drywall & Ceiling Repairs

Don't let minor wall or ceiling damage scare off potential buyers.

Common fixes before selling:

• Popped nails or small holes
• Cracks in corners or near windows
• Stained ceilings (from past leaks)
• Popcorn ceiling removal

Drywall imperfections can make a home feel neglected. Our team at House Make Up offers drywall repair services in Fairfax County to restore and refresh your walls.

7. Plumbing & Electrical Fixtures

Functionality is key. Buyers will notice lights that don’t work or dripping faucets.

Fix before listing:

• Leaky pipes, faucets, or running toilets
• Burned out lightbulbs or broken switches
• Faulty outlets
• Outdated fixtures (especially in kitchen & bathrooms)

Simple fixture replacements are affordable and can drastically improve perceived value.

8. Caulking & Sealing

Well-sealed windows, doors, tubs, and sinks tell buyers the home has been maintained.

Inspect and re-caulk:

• Window frames (inside and outside)
• Bathtubs and showers
• Kitchen backsplashes and counters
• Exterior joints

Good caulking also helps with energy efficiency.

9. Attic & Insulation Check

Proper insulation can improve the home’s energy rating, a value-add for buyers.

What to inspect:

• Is your attic insulated?
• Are there signs of moisture or pests?
• Do you have attic flooring or storage solutions?

10. Staging Consultation & Deep Cleaning

Even with all the right repairs, presentation matters.

Our pre-sale checklist includes:

• Cleaning windows, baseboards, floors
• De-cluttering and depersonalizing spaces
• Light staging tips (mirrors, neutral art, pillows)

House Make Up can refer trusted partners for deep cleaning and staging consultations.

🏠 Free Pre-Sale House Check-Up in Fairfax County, VA

Not sure where to start? Book your FREE 40-point pre-sale house inspection with House Make Up. We’ll walk through your property and identify the most important fixes that will impact your selling price, helping you avoid last-minute buyer demands.

📍 Why Choose House Make Up?

• Local Experts: Serving Fairfax County since 2017
• Custom Renovations: Kitchen, bathroom, drywall, flooring & more
• Licensed & Insured: Quality workmanship and honest advice
• No Unnecessary Repairs: We focus on what truly adds value

📞 Let’s Get Your Home Ready to Sell

Ready to get started with your pre-sale home prep?
Call us to book your free check-up.