Organizing, Redesign & Staging

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Home Staging Checklist

If you are planning on selling your home this summer, you should consider having it staged professionally. In this market you need every edge to be competitive. But at the very least, review this checklist for preparing your home to be shown to buyers and before you have your house photographed.


Remove clutter from the house
Are countertops clean and free of clutter (almost everything off the counters)?
Has any unnecessary furniture been removed?
In bedrooms, check what you see when you first walk in from the doorway – is bed highlighted? Are windows showcased?
Have you removed pictures, coupons, and extra magnets from the refrigerator?
Are the family room and bedrooms picked up, with beds made?
Trash should be emptied before a showing.
Vacuum the floors before a showing.

Check the bathrooms
Are the surfaces clean and clear?
Are shower curtains and doors hung properly?
Is the flooring clean and fresh?
Are towels neatly hung?
If you have a small bathroom, keep things sparse and simple.


Check the walls
For colors: think neutral (i.e. beige or light tan) and white (equals fresh and clean)
Is paint and wallpaper fresh and clean?
Are the walls free from major holes or construction/remodeling blunders?
Have you removed family photos and any decorative clutter?
Are there any objects on the walls that need to be removed?

Check the floors
Is the carpet clean and free from stains?
Are hard surface floors clean and free from stains?

Check windows and window coverings
Are all the windows clean? Are draperies and blinds clean?
Maximize the view with simple, neutral-colored valances or sheer panels.
Have shades up.

Pet check
Are there any signs that this is a pet's home? Remove all pet gear out of sight for showings.

Check the garage / yard
Try your best to keep it organized and free of clutter.
Leave the cars out of the garage when the house is to be shown.

How are the aroma and mood?
Before the house is to be shown, turn on all the lights.
Try to air out the home prior to showings. Use fragrance sparingly.
Turn on the radio to a classical music station, set the volume on low.
Light candles in relaxing spaces such as the living room and bathroom.