EXTERIOR

1. Trim bushes. Mow and edge the yard that day or one before. Be sure to blow off the driveway and sidewalks

2. Park cars in the garage or on the street

3. Roll the garbage cans out of view

4. Remove leaves from lawn, mulch beds, roof, gutters, and stairs

5. Clean the main entrance very well: new doormat, wash the door, remove cobwebs from porch light

6. Put down a fresh layer of mulch

7. Potted plants should be healthy and neatly arranged or removed

8. Store away garden hoses

9. Cover/clean grills

10. Flowers and splashes of color can drastically improve curb appeal

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INTERIOR

1. Do all typical housecleaning chores: vacuum/sweep, dust, and wipe the mirrors. Dusty ceiling fans are often forgotten.

2. Fluff the pillows, fold/remove blankets, and smooth out wrinkles in the bedspreads

3. Replace any burned out light bulbs (and broken globes). Dark rooms can be downright creepy if the home is shown in the evening, but no matter what, they convey disregard. Ideally, you want all the colors of light to match so use all daylight white bulbs. If some look blue and some look orange, the pictures will look weird.

4. Don't leave out any personal belongings like toothbrushes, bathing products, magazines, etc.

5. Show no evidence of pets. Hide them, their bowls, cages, blankets, and toys.

6. If you have more than 3 items per surface, the space can feel cluttered. This is commonly a problem on kitchen and bathroom counters, mantles, and walls. Take down all refrigerator magnets.

7. Roll up extra cabling and cords

8. Display generic, decorative art instead of your family photos. If this is too much to ask, faces can be blurred out in Photoshop.

9. Remove seasonal decor. Fresh fruit and flower arrangements add a nice touch but things like pastel eggs, pumpkins, or Christmas trees are too temporary.

10. Wipe and level all blinds

11. Toilet seats need to be closed, paper rolls need to be full/new, and trashcans need to be out of sight

12. Turn on all lamps and lights. Turn off all ceiling fans and televisions. Bright is good and movement is bad

13. Straighten mats and rugs

 

EXTRA

1. A fresh, neutral coat of paint throughout the inside helps the home feel newer.

2. Consider pressure washing a stained driveway or molded porch.

3. Search online for home staging tips before your first showing to learn more not specifically related to imagery: air freshener, hiding valuables, etc.