Sage Advice - Preparing Your Home for Staging

Clean, Declutter, Depersonalize

• Walk through each room and try to visualize the space from a buyer's perspective.

• Sell, donate or discard anything you don’t need.

• Thoroughly clean the entire home.

• Steam clean carpets and drapes.  Consider a carpet care professional.

• Get rid of all dust bunnies.  Don’t forget to look up and include light fixtures.

• Repair cracks and holes in the walls.

• Paint interior walls with neutral colors if necessary.

• Remove excess and oversized furniture.

• Rearrange furniture to maximize space and enhance flow.

• Organize room closets and pack up and store out of season clothing.

• Remove all small appliances, toys, magazines, pet items, and toiletries.

• Remove family photos, personal collections and medications.

• Secure valuables.

Appeal to the Senses

• Install higher wattage incandescent light bulbs.

• Open windows to let in fresh air if seasonally appropriate.

• Turn on lights and open curtains or blinds to let in natural light and show off views.

• Turn off TVs.

• Relocate pets.

• Refrain from smoking in the home.

Highlight Your Home's Best Features

• Remove rugs to show off nice flooring.

• Pull back drapes to showcase nice views.

• Stage the front porch or deck with furniture and potted plants.

• Make sure fireplaces are in working condition.

• Clean the backyard

Curb Appeal

• Paint the exterior, including trim, doors, shutters if necessary.

• Check the front door, doorbell, address number and welcome mat.

• Power wash the siding and windows, if necessary.

• Sweep the entryway and walkways.

• Mow, water and trim the edges of the lawn.

• Plant colorful flowers and shrubs.

• Store toys and equipment out of the yard.

• Clean up pet droppings.

• Clean the gutters and downspouts, if necessary.