The Ultimate Staging Guide Checklist

Print out this handy checklist when staging and preparing your home for potential buyers.

1. Plan Ahead

• Walk through each room and criticize the home from a buyer's perspective.
• Ask a few local real estate professionals for their advice.
• Consider getting a professional home inspection to see if any repairs are needed.
• Hire a contractor to handle any major projects.
• Consider getting an appraisal to find out your current market value.
• Hold a yard sale. Sell, donate or trash anything you don't need.

2. Clean, Declutter and Depersonalize

• Thoroughly clean the entire home.
• Scrub tile in the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Clean hardwood floors.
• Steam clean carpets and drapes. Consider replacing carpet if stains are prominent.
• Get rid of all dust bunnies.
• Repair cracks and holes in the walls.
• Paint interior walls with neutral colors, like beige, cream or light pastels. Pale blues and greens are good for bathrooms.
• Remove excess and oversized furniture.
• Rearrange furniture to maximize space.
• Organize room closets and store out-of-season clothes.
• Remove all small appliances, toys, magazines and pet items.
• Remove family photos, personal collections and medications.
• Remove items from the garage and store them off site.
• Secure valuable items, including cash and jewelry.

3. Maximize Curb Appeal

• Paint the home's exterior, including trim, doors and shutters.
• Check front door, doorbell, address number and welcome mat.
• Power wash the siding and windows.
• Inspect the roof and make repairs as needed.
• Repair cracks in the driveway and sidewalks.
• Sweep the entryway and walkways.
• Mow, water and fertilize the lawn.
• Trim shrubs and trees and rake the leaves.
• Plant colorful flowers and shrubs.
• Store any toys or equipment lying on the yard.
• Clean up pet droppings.
• Clean the gutters and downspouts.

4. Pay Attention to Kitchens and Bathrooms

• Mop and wax/polish the floors.
• Clear the countertops.
• Replace outdated hardware.
• Clean appliances and fixtures.
• Clean and organize the pantry, cabinets and drawers.
• Replace old caulking around sinks and bathtubs.
• Remove stains from sinks, toilets and bathtubs.
• Keep all toilet seat lids closed.
• Hang fresh towels.

5. Appeal to the Senses

• Bake cookies or burn scented candles.
• Offer light refreshments.
• Install higher wattage incandescent light bulbs to brighten rooms.
• Turn on all the lights.
• Open windows to let in fresh air.
• Open curtains or blinds to let in natural light and show off views.
• Turn off TVs.
• Relocate pets on the day of the open house.
• Refrain from smoking in the home.

6. Show Off Your Home's Best Features

• Remove rugs to show off hardwood floors.
• 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 and pool area.

7. Prepare for the Open House

• Hold an exclusive brokers' open house to let local agents know your home is on the market. Offer food and refreshments.
• Inform family, friends and neighbors of the date and time of your open house.
• Put ads in local newspapers, real estate publications and on free Web sites like Craigslist.com.
• Put up “Open House” signs on the front lawn and at nearby intersections with directions to the house.
• Create property description sheets and prepare important documents, such as homeowner's association rules, inspection reports and purchase offer forms.