Staging Your Home Checklist
Are you looking to get the best possible price for your house? I know it sounds silly, but many people don’t put in the effort necessary to get the best price. There are many things you as a home-seller can do to make you house more “marketable,” both inside and outside. You want to make the best possible first-impression for potential homebuyers. Some of these may require significant investment in labor or expenses, but most can be accomplished fairly easily by simply following this checklist. Go through this checklist before you list your house, and immediately prior to each showing and open house. Although all these points may not apply in your situation, it will help you develop an eye for the most attractive aspects of your house.
BEFORE LISTING YOUR HOUSE
Exterior
____ Repaint siding____ Repaint or touch up trim
____ Repair/repaint gutters and downspouts
____ Repair/repaint fences
____ Remove oil stains from driveway and garage floor
____ Wash all windows
____ Remove window screens (windows look cleaner)
____ Trim trees, hedges, shrubs
____ Weed and feed lawn
____ Remove all clutter (garden tools, toys, etc.)
Entryway
____ Make sure doorbell and exterior lights work____ Replace welcome mat
____ Repair/repaint storm door and/or front door
____ Clear interior entry of all clutter
____ Clear and clean out front hall closet
Living Areas (living, dining, family, bedrooms)
____ Repaint or touch up walls and ceilings____ Repair/replace old molding
____ Shampoo carpeting and/or wash and wax floors
____ Remove excess or unattractive furniture
____ Clean curtains, shutters, blinds, etc.
____ Clean fireplace, mantle, shelving
____ Replace old bedspreads
Kitchen/Baths
____ Repair or replace faucets and fixtures____ Repaint or repaper walls
____ Thoroughly clean stove/oven, refrigerator and other appliances
____ Clear out and clean cabinets, drawers and medicine chests
____ Remove clutter from countertops
____ Clean or replace curtains
____ Grout tubs and showers
____ Replace old toilet seats and shower curtains
General
____ Replace burned-out light bulbs____ Clear cobwebs from corners and doorways
____ Wash light switches, handrails and doorknobs
____ Clear and clean all closets
____ Add “welcoming” touches: potted plants, dried flowers, etc.
BEFORE EVERY SHOWING OR OPEN HOUSE
Exterior
____ Pick up tools and toys____ Put garbage cans in garage
____ Close garage door
____ Park cars on street on around corner
Interior
____ Clear off all counters and table tops____ Turn on all lights
____ Open shades and curtains
____ Put soft music on stereo
____ Give the house a pleasant aroma – fresh baked cookies, scented candles, fire in fireplace, etc.
____ Set dining room table
____ Make all beds
____ Set thermostat at comfortable temperature
House & Community Information
(display in entryway or other prominent location)
____ Paid utility bills____ Current property tax receipts
____ Real estate listing sheet
____ Floor plan (if available)
____ List of upgrades you’ve put into the house
____ Map and/or list of community features and points of interest
____ Warranty information on appliances
ONE FINAL SUGGESTION: Ask you agent to take a walk-through of your house and offer suggestions on how to show it better. There is simply no better source of ideas for making a house more marketable.
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