Getting a house ready to sell is about repairs and about documentation. A clear pre-sale maintenance timeline shows what was fixed when and at what cost and turns routine upkeep into verifiable value. Use this guide to prioritize work, collect airtight proof, and present everything in a polished report.
Using Bodie to prepare the home history and investments is a home run for sellers.
What to prioritize before listing
- Safety and compliance first such as loose railings faulty wiring and working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Major systems such as roof HVAC plumbing and water heater with recent service records front and center
- Visible first impressions such as paint faucets lighting and flooring that affect listing photos
- Curb appeal items such as gutters landscaping and front door hardware
- Cost versus return focus on repairs that reduce buyer objections rather than over renovating
What buyers want to see as proof
- Dated invoices and receipts with contractor name and cost
- Before and after photos with context and close ups
- Manufacturer warranties and manuals with serial numbers if available
- Permits and final inspection approvals where applicable
- Service records for HVAC, chimney and pest control
- Dates of major replacements such as roof or water heater
Step by step pre-sale workflow
- Walk the house room by room with a checklist and note urgent items
- Prioritize and schedule contractor work to finish before listing photos
- Collect and scan invoices permits and warranties as soon as work is complete
- Take high quality photos of finished work and equipment serial numbers
- Assemble the timeline and package for agents and buyers
Why present a polished report
- Reduces buyer uncertainty and inspection contingencies
- Shortens negotiation friction and supports asking price
- Makes it easy for agents to show documented care
How Bodie helps
- Auto generate a maintenance timeline from uploaded receipts and photos
- Format a professional report that buyers and agents can scan quickly
- Export listing ready packets and printable binder pages