Staging Tips

Home Staging Tips for Owners of Occupied Properties

Number 1: Take a deep breath and remember; you’re selling your house, not your home. Neither Realtors nor Stagers are judging your personal taste.

Number 2: You are still living in your house, so apply the following (well-proven) tips only as far as you are comfortable doing so.

Remove to storage: (there is no such thing as packing away too much)

The furniture you do not use on a daily basis (extra dining/occasional chairs, gym equipment, etc.).
Most items in built-ins, bookshelves, hutches, etc. (books, collectibles, etc.).
Family photographs and documents (diplomas, marriage certificates, awards, etc.).
Religious images/symbols, flags (interior and exterior).
As much pet paraphernalia (crates, beds, toys, etc.) as your pet(s) can go without for a time.
All artificial flowers/plants/foliage.

Tidy:

Vacuum, dust, dishes, beds, wastebaskets, etc.
Many people have allergies to pet hair and dander; so, minimize these as much as possible.

Lighting:

Check all bulbs in all lighting fixtures are working, including outdoor fixtures (porch, etc.). Ideally, bulbs in multi-bulb fixtures should match in color/wattage.

Baths:

Put out a set of “show” towels (clean, contrasting solid color bath/hand towels).
Store as many items as possible from counters, floor (wastebaskets, scales, toilet brushes, etc.), tank, tub surround, shower, back of door (robes, etc.). For photos please clear floor entirely.
Check there is toilet roll on all dispensers.
Always keep all toilet lids down.

Kitchen:

Clear off tops of cabinets, clear off fridge (top, sides (magnets, calendars, bulletin boards)), store as many items possible from counters.

Before Photos and Showing:

Discontinue use of scented candles, plug-in/spray air fresheners. If necessary, use Ozium unscented.
Take up ALL small mats/area rugs (in front of doors, in kitchen, laundry room, and bathroom). **these can be put back after photos are done.
Even if you can’t patch/paint, inspect all walls, ceilings, window frames and remove all abandoned fasteners (hooks, nails, screws, etc.). Anchors may be left behind.
Stow jewelry, medications, firearms/ammunition, knives/knife blocks.

Courtesy of Showcase Solutions at http://showcasesolutions.us