Top Dollar for Your Home| Home Staging 101: Get Your Free Home Staging Guide

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Deciding it is the appropriate time to sell your home is one thing; getting it ready to sell quickly and for the best price is another. Throughout our Home Staging 101 you will find check-lists that include: Things to do Prior to Listing Your Home, Things to do Continually Throughout the Listing Period, and links to The Ultimate 12 Week Moving Check-list. Do not let the stress of selling your home, buying a new home, and moving overwhelm you. Utilize the Checklists below and get yourself and your family organized for the process.

Things to do Prior to Listing Your Home

In General

Hire a Listing Agent!!! Please read: 11 Benefits of Hiring a Listing Agent for more information on why it is so important to hire a listing agent when you decide to sell your home.
Start at the top, check all ceilings for leaks and stains- Fix the cause of the damage, then repair the ceiling and paint if necessary.
Repair any creaks in the floors when walking, if possible.
Wash all windows inside and out.
Replace any broken or cracked windows or glass in or attached to the home.
Replace or repair any damaged sheetrock or plaster work inside the home and paint.
Consider any floors that need to be professionally cleaned, repaired, or replaced.
Update any possible/needed fixtures (faucets, lighting, etc.)
Be sure all lights and light bulbs are working. Replace any that need to be replaced.
Lubricate any squeaky hinges.
Lubricate and free up any sticking sliding glass doors.
Remove family photos.
When hanging mirrors while staging your home, try and place them opposite to windows in the rooms where possible. This will add natural light to the room through the reflection of the mirror
Replace all household filters (water, heat/air etc.)
Clean and organize all closets and cabinets removing anything unnecessary. Less clutter will not only show off the spaces, but aid them in preparing larger.
Be sure that any garage doors are in working order.
Be sure that door bells are all in working order.
Be sure that gutters/drain spouts are properly installed and in working order
Add a subtle aroma to the home; baked cookies, soft wax burning scents, or other gentle air freshener. Do NOT go overboard. Yes, you want your home to smell nice, clean, and inviting, but you don’t want the aroma to be so strong that folks don’t want to stay in the house. Overpowering perfume smells can sometimes deter buyers just as easily as foul odors.
Secure all valuable items including cash, jewelry, etc.
Remove ALL ashtrays from the home. If you are an inside smoker it is important to understand that continuing to smoke inside the home could cost you in the long run. Establish an area outside of the home for smoking throughout the showing process (be sure to keep all remnants clean and ashtrays empty outdoors).

Outside Curb Appeal

Keep lawn cut, shrubs trimmed and shaped, and landscaping in order at all times.
New decorative stones and/or mulch can aid in outdoor appearance and curb appeal.
Plant flowers around doorway and entrance, especially during the spring and summer months.
Be sure that all flower beds are free from weeds and unwanted growth.
Clean and remove any oil stains from driveway.
Repair any cracks in the driveway and sidewalks on the property.
Remove and store exposed equipment, tools, or toys from the yard.
Pressure wash and clean vinyl siding and windows.
Give exterior doors a fresh coat of paint.
Seasonal Door Décor can add warmth and an inviting feeling to any home.
If there is inclement weather, be sure to keep all snow removed from sidewalks and driveway.
Clean/Pick up any pet droppings from yard.

Foyer/Home Entry

The entry to the home is a great place to exhibit a small decorative table; include property disclosures, your agents business card, and additional helpful information for your home. Speak with your agent for advice on what is best to provide for your home.
Be sure to keep in mind that first impressions make a huge impact. Keep this area especially inviting, clean, decluttered.

Kitchen

Clear the countertops and remove anything unnecessary including any small appliances that can be done without (yes, you can leave the coffee make just keep in mind that clean counters and open space make a room appear and feel larger).
Remove all photo’s, magnets, and other distracting items from the refrigerator.
Clean and scrub microwave, stove tops, refrigerator, and oven(s) until they shine. Home shopper’s will notice if appliances are not kept clean so once you have completed your deep cleaning, be sure to keep these appliances clean throughout the showing process.
Don’t forget to check the light bulbs in the vent hood, oven, and other appliances.
Be sure to keep all cleansing utensils (dish soap, cleansing brushes, cleansing clothes, and sponges, etc.) off of the counters and out of sight.
ALWAYS keep dishes clean, and sinks and drying racks empty
Clean out and organize the pantry
Keep the garbage emptied regularly to avoid odors and foul smells that can deter home shoppers; if your garbage can is out in the open, it should be moved. During the showing process keep the garbage can in a cabinet, in a pantry (with a lid), or move it to the garage.
Stage the kitchen to be attractive, bright, and shiny; you want the potential buyers to feel welcome and be able to envision their own meals, get togethers, holidays, etc. A nice bowl of fruit and a vase of flowers make a nice touch, but PLEASE use real fruit and flowers, the idea is to exhibit life and freshness.
Paint or re-stain cabinets if needed.
If not already in place, install strip lighting underneath the cabinets. There are many options available to achieve this, which makes it a less expensive upgrade that will make a large impact.
Make sure any window blinds/curtains are bright and clean!! If not, replace!
Don’t forget to clean the ventilating hood over the cooktop, you’d be surprised how much something so simply forgotten could effect a potential sale.

Bathrooms

Clear off all countertops, keep essential items organized in cabinets, drawers, etc.
Only keep what is absolutely necessary in the shower; if possible keep shower needs in a shower caddy for easy storage under bathroom sink or other location when not in use.
Always use the brightest wattage possible in bathroom lights and fixtures.
Replace shower curtains & most importantly, grimy shower liners!
Replace any old caulking around toilets, and bathtubs, etc.
Make it welcoming; stage a tub with fluffy towels, a book, candles, bath salts, etc.
Be sure that any bathroom rugs are fresh and clean.
Repair/replace any dripping faucets and/or unclog any clogged drains.
Clean! Clean! Clean toilets, tubs, and sinks. There are specialty cleaning products available to aid in removing bathroom stains.
Display a small bouquet of flowers and a nice basket with high-end guests soaps and lotions, etc. to add a spa like appeal when entering.
Have a nice bottle of hand soap by the bathroom sinks.
Always keep sinks and mirrors shiny clean.
Always keep toilet lids closed.
Be sure there is always a fresh toilet roll for a fresh and clean appearance
Do not leave cleaning supplies (including toilet brushes, plungers, etc.) visible and out in the open.

Living Areas

If you have to paint and decorate, choose a neutral color palate.
Clean out wood fireplace and stage with fresh logs, for a warm and inviting appeal. If you have a gas fireplace, be sure to clean it well and remove all dust. If showing during the cooler months, a warm ambient glow in a gas fireplace can add a nice welcoming appeal.
Remove any unnecessary furniture and arrange the living area to create a more spacious and open atmosphere.
Clear off all coffee tables, end tables, etc, with the exception of maybe a lamp or possibly a flower arrangement.

Dining Room

Declutter and Clean!! Dust everything and make sure that light fixtures and chandeliers are free from dust and grime
Add a nice decorative table clothe to the dining room table to hide flaws and blemishes on your table and add elegance and/or theme to the room.
Set the table. Add additional warmth and help potential buyers imagine how their experiences could be in this space.
Add a mirror to the room to add light and to increase visual space.
Add a simple floral arrangement or center piece to the dining room table.

Master Room/Bedrooms

ALWAYS make the beds!!
Replace old linens
Make sure any window blinds/curtains are bright and clean!! If not, replace!
Even if you aren’t currently using a bedroom in your home for that purpose, be sure that you stage the unused bedroom as one in the staging process if possible. If it is an empty room, a solution can be as simple as a blow up mattress (the double mattress options) dressed up with nice linen. Don’t over stress about the situation.
Use matching bedroom suites, night stands, etc. to add symmetry and balance to the rooms, which helps to create a warm and peaceful atmosphere.
If there is enough space in the Master Room of the home, stage a small seating area. Not only will this emphasize the space in the room, but it will provide the atmosphere of a master living space instead of a master sleeping space.
Keep ALL closet doors closed at all times.

Laundry Room

Clean all surfaces!
If necessary, pull out washer and dryer to remove cobwebs and dust. This is also a good time to thoroughly clean and mop laundry room floors
Do not leave laundry unattended or incomplete during the showing process.

Basement

Clean! Clean! Clean! Dispose of or donate anything that you are not going to move
Pack up unnecessary items and store throughout the showing process until ready to move
Give this space a purpose, and I don’t mean storage. Stage any large open spaces to add appeal and options to the home in general; basement space can be used as a billiard room, as an extra entertainment area, a theater room, an in-home gym, an organized craft/DIY area, a man cave, and/or so many other options.
Paint any necessary walls or ceilings.
Repair any visible cracks or defects in the basement flooring.
Don’t forget to thoroughly clean the utility area/room (furnace, hot water tanks, etc.)
If possible, finish any incomplete areas in the home. Although this could mean making a substantial investment prior to selling, the benefits may be well worth it. Finishing a basement can add heated/cooled square footage to a home and greatly increase its value and its appeal to buyers.

Garage/Attic

Declutter! The garage is not a storage unit and should not become one during the showing process.
Clean and pressure wash floors in garage; remove any oil stains, etc. Try and avoid parking in the garage once it has been thoroughly cleaned.
If there is shelving in place on the garage walls, pack and store anything unnecessary and remove.

Home Office

Open up the space; remove any unnecessary furniture or equipment
Clean & dust everything!
Protect Yourself!! Be sure that ALL paperwork, mail, and personal information/records are filed away and not sitting out in the open (this includes any calendars that display appointment information, etc.)
Organize the top of your desk

Pets

Be sure that pets are secured and in a safe place for showing your home. Potential buyers/agents do not need to be distracted by ensuring that your pet doesn’t escape a certain area of the home or the home in general.
If you have an indoor cat, be sure the litter box is ALWAYS clean and fresh
Clean and put away all pet bowls, toys, treats, and beds.

Patios & Porches

All outdoor areas should be considered as additional living spaces and should be staged as such.
Be sure that these spaces are as fresh and inviting as the interior of your home for selling.

** Leave your home during the showing. Allow the agent to show off your homes best features. You want potential buyers to have the liberty and comfort to speak freely with one another as well as the ability to imagine themselves in your home as their own and not as your guest.

Things to Do Continually During the Listing Period

In General

Add a subtle aroma to the home; baked cookies, soft wax burning scents, or other gentle air freshener. Do NOT go overboard. Yes, you want your home to smell nice, clean, and inviting, but you don’t want the aroma to be so strong that folks don’t want to stay in the house. Overpowering perfume smells can sometimes deter buyers just as easily as foul odors.
Keep windows clean, inside and outside of the home.
Be sure all lights and light bulbs remain working. Replace any that need to be replaced.
Keep closets and storage areas organized.
Keep all valuable items including cash, jewelry, etc. secured.
Keep curtains and shades open and let the natural light into your home during the listing period.

Outside Curb Appeal

Keep lawn cut, shrubs trimmed and shaped, and landscaping in order at all times.
Be sure that all flower beds are kept free from weeds and unwanted growth.
Keep clean and remove any oil stains from driveway.
Seasonal Door Décor can add warmth and an inviting feeling to any home. Be sure to keep your front entrance and door decorated for the season.
If there is inclement weather, be sure to keep all snow removed from sidewalks and driveway.
Keep pet droppings out of yard and properly disposed of.

Foyer/Home Entry

The entry to the home is a great place to exhibit a small decorative table; include property disclosures, your agents business card, and additional helpful information for your home. Speak with your agent for advice on what is best to provide for your home.
Be sure to keep in mind that first impressions make a huge impact. Keep this area especially inviting, clean, decluttered.

Kitchen

Keep microwave, stove tops, refrigerator, and oven(s) clean at all times.
Be sure to keep all cleansing utensils (dish soap, cleansing brushes, cleansing clothes, and sponges, etc.) off of the counters and out of sight.
ALWAYS keep dishes clean, and sinks and drying racks empty.
Clean out and organize the pantry
Keep the garbage emptied regularly to avoid odors and foul smells that can deter home shoppers; if your garbage can is out in the open, it should be moved. During the showing process keep the garbage can in a cabinet, in a pantry (with a lid), or move it to the garage.

Bathrooms

Clear off all countertops, keep essential items organized in cabinets, drawers, etc.
Only keep what is absolutely necessary in the shower; if possible keep shower needs in a shower caddy for easy storage under bathroom sink or other location when not in use.
Be sure that any bathroom rugs are fresh and clean.
Repair/replace any dripping faucets and/or unclog any clogged drains.
Clean! Clean! Clean toilets, tubs, and sinks. There are specialty cleaning products available to aid in removing bathroom stains.
Display a small bouquet of flowers and a nice basket with high-end guests soaps and lotions, etc. to add a spa like appeal when entering.
Have a nice bottle of hand soap by the bathroom sinks.
Always keep sinks and mirrors shiny clean.
Exhibit nice and decorative towels, hand towels, etc.
Always keep toilet lids closed.
Be sure there is always a fresh toilet roll for a fresh and clean appearance
Do not leave cleaning supplies (including toilet brushes, plungers, etc.) visible and out in the open.

Living Areas

If showing during the cooler months, a warm ambient glow in a gas fireplace can add a nice welcoming appeal.
Keep coffee tables, end tables, etc. clean with the exception of maybe a lamp or possibly a flower arrangement.
Keep all televisions, furniture, and surfaces dusted and clean.

Dining Area

Keep it Clean!! Dust everything and make sure that light fixtures and chandeliers are free from dust and grime.
Keep the table set.
Keep the floors clean

Master Room/Bedrooms

ALWAYS make the beds!!
Keep ALL closet doors closed at all times.
Keep floors vacuumed and and clean.
Be sure to keep closets organized at all times throughout the listing period.
Keep all soiled/dirty laundry in closed hampers and out of sight at all times.

Laundry Room

Clean all surfaces!
Do not leave laundry unattended or incomplete during the showing process.

Basement/Attic/Garage

Keep clean a all times throughout the listing period.

Home Office

Keep office Clean and dust free at all times!
Protect Yourself!! Be sure that ALL paperwork, mail, and personal information/records are filed away and not sitting out in the open (this includes any calendars that display appointment information, etc.)
Keep the surface of your desk organized at all times.

Pets

Be sure that pets are secured and in a safe place for showing your home. Potential buyers/agents do not need to be distracted by ensuring that your pet doesn’t escape a certain area of the home or the home in general.
If you have an indoor cat, be sure the litter box is ALWAYS clean and fresh
Always clean and put away all pet bowls, toys, treats, and beds; you never know when the unexpected showing might take place.

Patios & Porches

All outdoor areas should be considered as additional living spaces and should be staged as such.
Be sure that these spaces are as fresh and inviting as the interior of your home throughout the listing period.
Keep all walkways, patios, and decks swept clean.
Repair any broken fences and paint if necessary.

** I want to reiterate how important it is to leave your home during the showing. Allow the agent to show off your homes best features. You want potential buyers to have the liberty and comfort to speak freely with one another as well as the ability to imagine themselves in your home as their own and not as your guest.

Click Below to Download a Printable PDF and Checklist: Things to do Prior to Listing Your Home!!

Things to do Prior to Listing Your Home
Download

Click Below to Download a Printable PDF: Things to do Continually Throughout the Listing Period!!

Things to do Continually throughout the Listing Period Download

It is always best to get started with the moving process as soon as possible. Let’s face it, at this point you have decided to sell your home and are taking the steps to ensure that it sells, once listed, and for the best price. The Ultimate 12 Week Moving Check-List contains many helpful tips that can also aid in the staging process. Don’t wait until the last minute to start going through things and packing for the move. Why take with you the things you don’t need or want in your new home and have to contend with them there? Be sure to download the printable PDF of the Ultimate 12 Week Moving Check-List (found here) now, start making your plan, and get ready for your transition to your new home. Don’t let the stress and the whirlwind of emotions that come with selling your home, buying a new home, and moving overwhelm you.

Don’t let stress and anxiety overwhelm you when it comes to either buying a new home, selling your existing home or property, or both. Contact a local REALTOR to guide you through the process. It can be a fun and exciting time with the appropriate knowledge and representation by your side. If you are looking to purchase or sell in Northeast Georgia and would like to speak with a Realtor, please submit the information below today. We are Passionate, we are Driven, and we are Effective! Let us show you ‘Results that will Move You!’

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