Get your home buyer-ready with this detailed May Maintenance Checklist. Boost curb appeal, tackle repairs, and prepare your house for the busy real estate season.
Is Your Home Ready for Peak Buying Season?
Selling your home soon? May is the unofficial kickoff to peak real estate season. If you wait too long to get your house ready, you risk losing eager buyers. Homes that shine in May often sell faster and for more money. That’s why a solid maintenance checklist now can pay off later.
Let’s walk through the tasks that’ll help your house stand out when it matters most.
May Maintenance Checklist
May brings longer days, blooming flowers, and the perfect chance to prep your property for potential buyers. This checklist covers key tasks inside and out to make your home more attractive and market-ready.
Boost Curb Appeal with Simple Yard Work
First impressions start at the curb. Buyers often decide how they feel about a home before stepping inside. A tidy, well-kept yard signals a well-maintained home.
Key Tasks:
- Mow and edge the lawn
- Trim bushes and low tree branches
- Pull weeds and mulch garden beds
- Sweep walkways and porches
- Clean the front door and update house numbers
These quick wins can increase your home’s perceived value without major investment.
Prep Patios, Decks, and Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor spaces are huge selling points. Buyers imagine relaxing evenings and summer BBQs. Make sure your patios and decks support that vision.
To-Dos:
- Power wash decks, patios, and fences
- Re-stain or seal wood decking if faded
- Clean or replace worn outdoor cushions
- Arrange furniture to highlight entertaining space
A clean, staged patio can be as impactful as an updated kitchen—especially in May.
Service Your HVAC Before Summer Hits
Buyers don’t want to wonder if your AC will hold up in July. Proactive HVAC service gives peace of mind.
Checklist:
- Change air filters
- Clean intake vents
- Schedule a professional tune-up
- Test both heating and cooling systems
Mentioning a recent HVAC service in your listing can ease buyer concerns—and justify a higher price.
Inspect Roof Shingles and Clean Gutters
Roof issues can kill deals fast. Don’t wait for a home inspector to flag them.
What to Look For:
- Loose or missing shingles
- Moss or mold growth
- Blocked gutters or downspouts
- Water stains under eaves
Fixing these early avoids major issues and shows buyers you stay on top of home upkeep.
Wash Windows and Repair Screens
Clean windows let light pour in and make rooms feel bigger. Dirty or streaky glass sends the opposite message.
Do This:
- Wash all windows, inside and out
- Patch or replace torn screens
- Oil window tracks so they slide easily
It’s a small effort that gives your home a crisp, clean feel.
Declutter and Deep Clean Key Rooms
Buyers need to picture their life in your space—not yours. A deep clean and decluttering session helps them do just that.
Target These Areas:
- Kitchen counters and cabinets
- Bathroom vanities and tubs
- Closets and storage spaces
- Living and dining rooms
Donate unused items. Rent a storage unit if needed. The goal: less stuff, more space.
Test Smoke Detectors and Check Safety Devices
Buyers often ask about safety. Don’t be caught off guard.
Quick Wins:
- Replace smoke detector batteries
- Test carbon monoxide detectors
- Check fire extinguishers (and replace if expired)
- Confirm locks and latches work on all doors and windows
These aren’t just for safety—they show your house is in working order from top to bottom.
Touch Up Paint and Small Repairs Indoors
Fresh paint is one of the cheapest ways to make a home feel new. Combine it with small fixes and you’re on the right track.
Focus On:
- Baseboards and trim
- Door hinges and handles
- Leaky faucets
- Wall scuffs and nail holes
Neutral colors work best and appeal to the widest range of buyers.
Add Seasonal Color with Flowers and Planters
Spring flowers do more than look nice—they spark emotion. And buyers often buy based on feeling.
Add These Touches:
- Potted plants at the entry
- Hanging baskets on the porch
- Colorful annuals in garden beds
These additions cost little but offer high visual return.
Get a Pre-Listing Home Inspection
Want to stand out? Do what most sellers skip: a pre-listing home inspection.
Why It Helps:
- Catches problems before buyers do
- Lets you fix issues on your timeline
- Builds buyer trust
- Speeds up the sale process
It also reduces the chance a buyer will back out or ask for a price cut later.
May Maintenance Checklist: Get Your Home Ready for Peak Buying Season
Let’s wrap up with the full checklist for May. Save this or print it for easy tracking.
- Mow, edge, and clean up yard
- Power wash patio and seal deck
- Change HVAC filters and service unit
- Check roof and clean gutters
- Wash windows and fix screens
- Deep clean and declutter interior
- Test detectors and replace batteries
- Touch up paint and fix small items
- Add flowers and planters
- Get a pre-listing home inspection
Check each box and you’ll be well ahead of the competition.
FAQs
What’s the most important May maintenance task before selling?
Focus on curb appeal. A clean, inviting exterior brings in more buyers and gets them excited to see inside.
How much should I spend on pre-listing home maintenance?
Stick to budget-friendly fixes unless your agent recommends updates. Often $300–$500 can go a long way.
Do I really need a home inspection before listing?
Yes. It helps avoid surprises and builds trust. Buyers feel better about a home when they know it’s been checked.
Should I update the HVAC system?
If it works well, no need to replace it. Just clean it and show service records. That’s often enough.
Can I do these tasks myself or should I hire help?
Many tasks are DIY. But if time’s short, hire pros for big jobs like roof inspection or power washing.
When is peak buying season for homes?
It usually starts in late April and peaks in June. May is the sweet spot to get listed and seen.