Home Staging Checklist

Home Staging is not just about decor and design. It is about presenting your home to its very best appearance while on the market. A nicely staged home is not going to look good if it has years of deferred maintenance. Use the preparation checklist below to address problem areas of your home.


Exterior

1. The Yard

* Remove all weeds from flowerbeds, rocks, & cracks in concrete.
* Add new mulch in all beds around the yard. Monkey hair is easy to use and gives the yard a fresh sophisticated look.
* Plant yellow flowers or group flowerpots together. Yellow evokes a buying emotion.
* Cut the Grass Diagonal- by cutting in a diagonal pattern, it makes the lawn appear longer and wider.
* Trim bushes & trees removing all dead limbs & debris.
* Add fertilizer/ greening agent to lawn & plants.


2. Decks, Patios, Driveways, Porches & Fences

* Power wash driveways & sidewalks.
* Patch holes & cracks.
* Remove stains.
* Replace any broken areas.
* Paint or stain fences & decks.
* Arrange outdoor furniture & firewood neatly.
* Put away all lawn equipment, bikes, & toys.


3. House

* Inspect all exterior elements of home: gutters, downspouts, siding, windows sashes, trim, & shutters. Clean, paint, and/or replace as needed.
* Replace any broken windows, doors, & screens. Make sure they all operate properly.
* Clean windows & screens thoroughly. This helps brighten the home inside.
* Roof: Inspect for missing/ damaged shingles & flashings. Make any necessary repairs.
* Clean & touch up paint on the little things: House numbers, mailboxes, doorbells, etc.


4. Front Porches

* Replace front door if damaged & cannot be repaired.
* Paint door & trim.
* Clean porch area.
* Put out a new & clean doormat.
* Install potted/-hanging plants if space permits.
* Have a nice porch light. Repaint, clean, or replace. Install high wattage bulbs to make porch area brighter.


Interior

1. Whole House Improvements

* Clean & wax wood floors.
* Clean vinyl & ceramic floors.
* Clean, paint, replace all vent covers.
* Clean, polish, paint/stain wood trim in home.
* Be sure to remove pet odor & smoke odor when cleaning. Smell is a huge part of what buyers remember about your home.
* Clean windows & screens.
* Clean curtains, drapes, & blinds.
* Clean carpets. If pet stains exist replace carpet & pad.
* Remove wallpaper & borders (wall paper is normally too personalized).
* Add a fresh coat of paint using white, off white or beige paint.
* Repair damages to walls & ceilings. Includes: holes, cracks, & water stains. Repaint after repair.


2. Lighten up the Place

* Clean all lamp shades & covers.
* Replace bulbs with high wattage bulbs.
* Clean windows & screens.


3. Closets

* Stage the Closets.
* Remove out of season clothing from closets.
* Leave only a few items on the floor of closets.
* Add extra, empty hangers.
* Neatly arrange items on shelving.
* Leave extra space on shelves.


4. Pay Attention to the Little Things

* Oil any squeaky doors or drawers.
* Arrange furniture to give an open feel. Remove any unnecessary or oversized furniture.
* Make sure all switches & outlets are clean & working properly.
* Place fresh flower arrangements throughout home.
* Fix any leaky faucets.
* Tighten loose towel racks.
* Make sure windows open & close with out squeaking.
* Hide Prescription medication. Theft of these items is rising.


5. Kitchen & Baths

* Thoroughly clean all counter tops, appliances, mirrors, ovens, sinks, toilets, tub and tile.
* Store small appliances to open up counter space.
* Clean & organize drawers, cabinets, & linen closets.
* Clear off vanity counter tops & store all personal care items neatly.
* Clean ventilating hood & exhaust fans.
* Remove rust stains.
* New knobs on drawers & cabinets make a difference
* Clean all tile grout. (Suggest Healthy Green Cleaning Recipes.)


6. Garage, Basement, Attic & Storage Areas

* Remove stains & dirt from floor.
* Paints floors gray.
* Organize garden tools & equipment.
* Wipe off water dirt/cob webs from water heater, furnace, washer & dryer.
* Dispose of everything you are not going to move.
* Arrange items neatly & clutter free.
* Consider painting walls & ceilings white.
* Cure problems in basement. Seek professional advice if needed.