Home Selling: Staging the Home for Showings

When trying to sell a home, it is important to stage the home properly to make the best impression to prospective home buyers.  Although each home is different, below are a few simple staging tips that can make a big difference between a house that shows well and one that does not:

Interior

• Make beds and clean up dishes
• Empty wastebaskets
• Turn off televisions and play soft music
• Set dining room table with nicest dinnerware and simple centerpiece
• Put away clothing
• Display show towels in bathrooms
• Freshen the air with cinnamon or vanilla
• Open all drapes and shades
• Turn on all lights
• Make sure pet areas are clean and odor-free
• Empty litter boxes
• Make a fire in the fireplace
• Make sure the kitchen is clean
• Pick up toys and clutter
• Add sanitizers to toilet bowls and keep lids down

Exterior

• Keep the lawn trimmed and edged
• Weed flower gardens
• Pick up debris, toys and lawn equipment
• Tidy up after pets
• Park vehicles in the garage or on the street
• Add color with flowers and potted plants
• Turn on outside lighting after dark

General

• During showings, try to leave the property
• Silence is golden if you are present for the showing
• Always put away your valuable items
• Be flexible in the scheduling of showings
• Set a comfortable temperature on the thermostat
• Fresh flowers are a nice touch
• Make sure all pets are confined to a safe and out-of-the-way place
• Only show the home when an agent is present
• Make sure all outside trash is contained in covered bins
• Maintain the property in ready-to-show condition
• Showcase your home as if you are receiving guests