01Critical: damage, safety & obligations
Address water intrusion, active leaks, safety issues and material defects with appropriate professionals. Identify required documentation and discuss disclosure obligations. Do not hide a concern behind a cosmetic repair.
02High impact: the first impression
Review paint where needed, lighting, flooring condition, landscaping, cleanliness, decluttering, odor and entry presentation. Begin with maintenance and accurate presentation before considering a larger project.
03Property-specific: investigate before replacing
Assess the roof, HVAC, windows, appliances, exterior, deck or patio, basement and garage. Condition, competing properties and timing should determine the scope; age alone does not justify replacing a working system.
04Documentation: make the facts available
Gather permits, renovation records, warranties, HOA / condo information, useful utility history and service records. Verify advertised facts and keep private account details out of public materials.
05Photography & showing readiness
Complete agreed work before photography. Clear circulation and sight lines, secure valuables and personal documents, and plan access, pets and a repeatable showing reset. Consider scoped staging using existing furnishings where practical.
06Budget & coordination
Compare written vendor scope, relevant credentials, pricing and completion dates. Do not spend money blindly before understanding likely market return, disruption and the cost of delaying launch.