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Time’s Up! Here’s what we got done on our pre-sale to-do list (and what we didn’t!)

April 20, 2021

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A little over a month ago, on March 9th, we shared our list of projects to do before we sell our house. Well, showings start on Thursday and go through the weekend so time is about up! We didn’t get to everything on the list but we did a LOT in the last month. Most of the things left we fill good about doing before we move, you know, even after the house sells.

Here’s how our master list is looking now:

Whole Home
• Fill holes
Caulk
• Touch up paint
Add vent registers (I don’t know whyyyyyyyy this is taking so long)
Install whole home water filter (something we ordered already)

Laundry Room

Remove wallpaper
Skim walls
• Limewash walls
Paint laundry cabinets

We didn’t lime wash the walls due to the product being backordered, but we did make the laundry room look SO MUCH BETTER with minimal effort. See the before and afters here if you missed it!

Entry/Home Office/Bonus room?


Add covers to floor outlets
Check balusters and secure any that may be loose
Swap out front door handleset
Finish drywall
Hang and paint new doors
• Add Flooring to the new closet
Make sure new Lighting/Electrical is wired
Add trim and baseboards
Prime and paint

The only thing not done is adding carpet to the new closet in the “bonus space” but we’re so thrilled this space is done. You can read all about it right here! We decided to stage it as is for the showings and leave a note of other possibilities it can be used as!

Dining Room


Rehang credenza and replace the top that’s currently a split piece of plywood.

Bada bing. Bada boom. Dining room is a check!!!

Kitchen
• Replace faucets & potfiller (we spray-painted these and while we aren’t doing a new kitchen anymore, this feels like something we should update for the sale price of our home).
• Patch tile under arch cabinet where a base cabinet used to be
Tighten any loose cabinet doors
• Replace window– the only window in the house that isn’t new, so we’re going to replace it to match.

We’ve done the least in here! The new window isn’t scheduled to arrive until the beginning of May, so we touched up paint and made it look as great as possible for showings!

Main Bedrooms/Bathroom
Add pocket door hardware to bathroom doors
• Add vacuum port cover back on central vac system

Sweet, sweet pocket door hardware has officially made our bathroom complete!

Greta’s Bedroom
Paint trim
Neutralize this space a little bit. We made all of the girls’ rooms for them so they are naturally more girly, but Greta’s room is perhaps the least so–the wallpaper even has some insects! So, I’m going to stage this room a little more gender neutral.

Girls’ Bathroom


Remove stick-on tile (we tried, here’s the update if you missed it!)
• Deep clean grout
Silicone base of tub

Rug, Faux Lavender Stems, Sconce, Arch Mirror, Faucet, Cabinet Hardware, Curtains, Cafe Curtain Rod, Ceramic Canisters, hand towel

Basement Bathroom: maybe a room you’ve never seen? It’s fine, but there are a few things I want to do to bring it up to par with the rest of our home.
Swap out faucet, sink, light, mirror and towel bar

We only had time to swap out the mirror, and towel holder (came with a coordinating toilet paper holder and hook for a steal!) and just that did SO much to improve the space! (art)

Garage
Add trim to windows
• Install seals above doors
• Install new handleset on exterior door

The garage still needs organized a bit. But I honestly think that’s….it! Before showings! We’ve been working around the clock to make sure rooms are tidy and clean and clutter free and will be sure to shoot a video tour this week, too! I’m grateful we’re not moving for another 2 months because at least we can enjoy our home completely finished for a little while. Wish us luck on the showings!

 

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What do you think?

  1. asta decor says:

    Thanks for sharing great information. Modern House Interior Designs are great for home decoration.

  2. Jill says:

    Absolutely love the small acrylic/fabric seat in the front foyer. Can you share your source?

  3. Kelly says:

    Beautiful home! I promise (cross my heart!) I looked everywhere on your page for these source links…plaid blanket in Greta’s room? Beautiful rug in entry next to staircase?

  4. Ashley says:

    Good work sticking it out and finishing so much. You mentioned finishing a few things even after you’re under contract. I’m wondering what things specifically (mainly I guess I’m wondering if you will patch in the kitchen flooring since that seems more unfinished than all of the other items on your list that are a great bonus for the new owners). Good luck with the showings, and I hope you’re able to rest and relax your last couple of months in this beautiful home!

  5. Ali says:

    Your list is getting so close to being completed ! Your home looks amazing! So excited for you and your family and your team!

    I have searched your blog and wanted to make a request for a post. What do you all suggest for graduation gifts for high schoolers (girls and guys) and for college students graduation gifts! I need ideas for 5 high school graduates and time is ticking for their graduation gifts! I think CLJ always has such great gift ideas that are classy and also affordable! I loved your house warming gift idea post!

  6. Loralei Price says:

    I love the picture in the bathroom! It made me laugh! Thank you.

  7. It all looks so great, I’m sure your home will get snatched up- what a dream home for someone to move into!!

  8. Danna F says:

    I feel your stress and tiredness. We listed and sold our house first of March. We went away for the weekend while it was listed and that was the best decision. I noticed you has listed under Girl’s Bathroom: Deep clean grout. I cleaned our kid’s bathroom grout with so many things but nothing helped. I ended up using grout Renew purchased at Floor & Decor in a shade close to the color it used to be and did it make a HUGE difference. You just put it on with a small paint brush. Super easy!
    Good luck on the sell! Your home is gorgeous!

    • JL says:

      Not sure if you can use this to change the color, but I think a cream/off white grout would really make the existing floor tiles look fresh.

  9. Diane says:

    So well done! Your vision, approach, organization, style and commitment to family and health being priority are just a few of the reasons I follow you! You’re an all-around inspiration! Thank you for sharing your journey and good luck on the move and transition!

  10. Lindsey says:

    Good luck! The house is unrecognizable inside and out! Endlessly impressed by your vision and can’t wait to see what you do with the next space.

  11. We just sold our home back in March so this is all feeling familiar! We put an offer on our dream home and then needed to list as quickly as possible, we had about 10 days. I have 3 kids and 2 dogs, so keeping things clean and decluttered for showings was a challenge, but luckily it sold after 2 days of showings, hurray! I am sure you will have a similar story, your house is going to sell in a hot minute. I can’t wait to follow along on your new-house journey!

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