Staging
Creating an atmosphere where buyers can imagine themselves living is key when selling your home. That's why properly staging properties is so crucial to the home showing process.
Staging Checklist
- Organize and declutter every room. Keep decorations to a minimum.
- Empty the garage, attic & closets as much as possible to maximize the appearance of storage space.
- Clean everything. Consider hiring a professional service to conduct a deep clean of the entire home.
- Remove personal items and memorabilia, including family photos, trophies and collectables.
- Replace dead light bulbs.
- Open draperies and blinds to increase natural light.
- Ensure all doors, cabinets & windows open and close properly.
- Remove unnecessary furniture to create as much walkable area as possible.
- Use lamps to increase brightness.
- Thoroughly clean the fireplace and replace old screens.
- Use coordinated accessories to create coherence.
- Clear countertops except for a few thoughtful, decorative items.
- Empty cabinets and drawers and remove dishes, flatware and cookware that don’t match.
- Clean all appliances, including the inside of the oven, microwave and refrigerator.
- Clean and organize the pantry to maximize space.
- Empty trash cans and move them out of sight.
- Remove coupons, magnets and photographs from the refrigerator.
- Scrub every surface, including hard-to-reach areas behind the sink and toilet.
- Remove personal products like medicine & hygiene supplies.
- Replace old shower curtains and bath mats.
- Use vinegar to remove hard water stains and clean shower heads.
- Use neutral-colored towels and washcloths.
- Check the condition of caulk and grout and repair as needed.
- Deodorize with baking soda and avoid overpowering chemicals like bleach.
- Remove clothing and coat hangers from closets to maximize space.
- Store jewelry and other valuables in a safe location.
- Depersonalize by removing unneeded decorations.
- Remove video game consoles and standing electronics, especially those with exposed cords.
- Replace floral prints and other feminine or masculine items with gender-neutral alternatives.
- Remove personal items like family portraits.
- Patch any holes and consider a fresh coat of paint where needed.
- Replace missing or damaged outlet covers.
- Wash windows, inside and out.
- Repair or replace damaged screens.
- Consider repainting bold and gender-specific colors with bright, neutral alternatives.
- Power-wash the home exterior, driveway, and porch areas.
- Clean the mailbox or replace it if necessary.
- Weed beds and trim back trees and shrubs. Consider fresh mulch.
- Store lawn equipment and children’s toys out of site.
- Replace any bulbs around the exterior of the home.
- Remove pet hair from furniture and all surfaces.
- Consider special cleaning products to remove pet stains.
- Remove beds, toys, food bowls and other pet items.
- Be sure pets are not present for showings.
Feedback
It’s natural for homeowners to be sensitive to critiques of their property. Yet, when bringing your home to market, it’s crucial to welcome and reflect upon feedback from prospective buyers. Should your home linger on the market, such insights can guide adjustments in presentation or pricing to garner greater interest. Discerning the genuine sentiments of potential buyers can also indicate their purchase intentions, enabling you to craft more strategic counteroffers to optimize your returns.
It’s not too late to sell with the local Jackson real estate experts!
Whether you’re looking to move to Jackson, upgrade from a starter house, or find a house for retirement, contact us today for a consultation on buying or selling in Jackson.
Need help staging your home?
To make the best first impression when selling your home, partner with a Prosper agent to stage your home for success. Our residential services can boost your curb appeal and maximize your interior’s value.
