Start at the street
Walk to the curb and look toward the front door. The driveway, front walk, steps, porch, and front-facing siding usually shape the first exterior view. Take a few phone photos in daylight; the camera can reveal contrast and buildup that are easy to overlook in person.
If your agent or photographer already has a shot list, use it to identify the exterior areas that will appear most often.
Put the most visible areas first
You do not need to clean every outdoor surface simply because the home is being listed. Start with the areas that appear in listing photos or guide visitors to the entrance.
For many homes, that means comparing the need for house washing, driveway cleaning, walkway cleaning, and porch cleaning before adding less-visible areas.
- Driveway and parking pad
- Front walkway and steps
- Front porch and entry
- Street-facing siding and trim
- A patio or outdoor area that will be photographed
Separate cleaning from repairs
Outdoor buildup is different from oxidation, fading, failing paint, rust, cracks, loose materials, or drainage problems. Cleaning may improve the surface, but it should not be used to hide something that needs repair.
Photograph any damaged or uncertain area before requesting a quote. A clear picture helps determine whether cleaning is useful or whether another trade should look first.
Plan before listing photos
Leave enough room in the schedule for the property to be reviewed, the work to be quoted, weather to cooperate, and cleaned surfaces to dry. Avoid arranging exterior cleaning immediately before the photographer arrives.
Move vehicles, portable furniture, mats, planters, toys, hoses, and decorations away from the areas being cleaned. Close doors and windows and point out known leaks, loose materials, or delicate fixtures.
Keep an occupied home easy to use
If the home is occupied, decide which entrance will remain available and keep children and pets away from active or wet work areas. Tell the cleaning company about gates, vehicles, deliveries, showings, or other timing needs before the visit.
Printable pre-listing checklist
Print this list or save it with the other tasks for the property.
- View the home from the curb and photograph the main approach.
- Mark the driveway, walkway, steps, porch, and siding areas that will appear in photos.
- Separate ordinary buildup from paint failure, oxidation, cracks, rust, and repairs.
- Share the photographer’s or agent’s exterior priorities if available.
- Request the quote early enough for weather and drying time.
- Move vehicles and portable outdoor items away from the work areas.
- Close doors and windows and identify known leaks or loose materials.
- Confirm which entrance remains available during the work.
- Review the written quote and make sure every requested area is listed.