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The UltimateHome Staging Guide

Some homes sit on the market for a few short days or acouple of weeks. Some are listed for several months, oreven years in a worst-case scenario. If you’re like mostsellers, your goal is to get an offer right away. Sellingyour home can be a stressful experience. The focus ofthis book is to get you a top-dollar offer, as quickly aspossible, so you can move on with the rest of your life.Getting your house ready to sell can be a big job, but itwill pay off if you stage your home properly. Did you know that we create first impressions within 7to 10 seconds of stepping inside a home? We barelyhave time to take our shoes off and we already have anidea of how well-cared-for a home is. If you’reconsidering putting your home on the market, you’ll bethankful that you learned this now. First impressionsoccur through all senses including sight, touch, sound,smell and - believe it or not - taste.Most people aren’t aware of how their home appears toothers because of the sentimentality their home holdsfor them. Staging helps you step outside of your ownperspective and see your home through the eyes of abuyer. And let’s face it, most buyers want to move inwithout having to make repairs.You have a couple of options when it comes to staging.You can hire a professional who will do a good job ofhelping you get your home ready. They are wonderfulat providing advice on what to do to showcase yourhome effectively. There are even some services that giveyou the option of renting furnishings and décor to giveyour home the best chance possible to sell quickly andfor a great price. This particular book is ideal for peopleopen to taking on the staging challenge themselves. Itwill save you a ton of money, and you will see that youcan do this! By the time you’re done, you will feel likean expert stager. Also important to note is that this is a very thoroughbook. Although there are tons of suggestions, don’t feelyou need to tackle every single thing. There are timeswhen we need to sell our homes fast and don’t have themoney to make all of the repairs and updatessuggested. Speak with your real estate agent about themost important things to take care of. They are theexperts when it comes to selling homes. They knowwhat people look at and they see your home from anoutside perspective free of sentimentality. They willhelp you understand market value and highlight anytrouble spots.

Homeowners who don’t see the value in staging their homes are often looking through their own eyes rather than theeyes of a buyer. They think that because they love the home, a buyer will too. They believe that others can look past theclutter, crowded rooms, repairs and quirky issues to see the true gem underneath it all. It doesn’t work that way. A buyercan be turned off of a house the minute they walk in the door. Most can’t look past your belongings to see what the homewould be like if they lived in it. When you stage a home, it looks inviting. Potential buyers walk into the house and they’re immediately comfortable. Astaged home looks like it would fit them rather than you. They look around the room that’s obviously been well-preparedto showcase its best features and they don’t necessarily see your sofa in that space. They picture their own furniture andhow great it would look when they invite guests over or host a family gathering. They feel like the home is one that’s beenloved and taken care of - and this is what you want them to feel. Buyers won’t balk at paying good value for your home if they feel it’s been well taken care of. If it looks well-worn, theymight question its upkeep. When a buyer goes through a house that hasn’t been taken care of and isn’t presented nicely,they start deducting dollars from your asking price. Staging your home can also help you enjoy a faster sale as it will show better than the other homes that are listed in yourarea. Your house will stand out in photographs, and in person.This book is broken down into eight steps to help you get your home staged. Also included are two worksheets that willhelp you get organized and stay on track.

If your heating or air conditioning units aren’t working as they should, pay to have theminspected and repaired before you sell. Most buyers include a stipulation in their offer that thisequipment is inspected, cleaned and repaired. If you have already done this, you will want to makesure you keep all receipts and reports to provide to the solicitors involved in the sale of the home. The roof is one of the main areas that a buyer will look at very carefully. Replacing a roof is anexpensive venture. Take a peek to see if there are any deficiencies. If it’s asphalt shingle, are theshingles starting to lift? If it’s a metal roof, are all pieces screwed down properly? Some metalroofs show a ton better when painted. If the roof has trouble spots, fix them. If it’s time for a new roof, you need to be aware of this whendetermining a value for your home. Contact a roofer and have them provide you with a quote soyou have a good idea of how much it will cost. If the costs are more than you can manage, adjustthe price of your home accordingly. Your real estate agent will help you with this. You don’tnecessarily have to put on a new roof, but if it’s clear the home needs one, then you can negotiatereplacing it as part of the sale. Window frames that show damage should be fixed as well as any windows that are cracked. Newsiding and windows are also good remodeling projects to boost profits, however, not necessary ifyou reflect the need for updates and repairs in your price. Few homes are in such great shape that they can go on the market without needing somerepairs. Homes are for living in. We all have to deal with regular wear and tear over time. Whenyou decide to sell, the things you’ve been thinking about fixing and updating all of suddenbecome more obvious. When it comes to knowing what to repair, the key is to focus on whathelps you sell the home. Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. You will get morebang for your buck with these rooms as they are main selling features.

While reviewing the condition of your windows, check alldoors. The front door is one of the first things buyers see. If itneeds a new handle, or fresh paint, take care of it. Check the insulation in your attic to ensure it is adequate. If it’svermiculite, steer clear and hire a professional to test it. If itcontains asbestos, it can cause health issues when disturbed. Ifyou find it in your home, don’t touch or move it around. Mostbuyers will request that it be removed as a condition of sale. Keep in mind that this is a very expensive procedure. It’s bestto have all of your ducks in a row before you list your home. Ifthere is asbestos in your attic, get a quote. You may need tofactor in the cost of its removal.If you have a septic system, consider having it pumped justbefore you list. You may be asked to provide documentationoutlining that this has been done recently. Most offers containa clause requiring proof of pumping within the past 24 months. Doing this in advance gives you the opportunity to speak to aseptic professional. If they notice any obvious flaws or issues,you will be prepared for anything that may come up. Keep inmind that pumping it immediately prior to a home inspectionmakes the job more difficult for the inspector. They may needto flow large quantities of water into the system to test it, if youhave just had it cleaned out.Most buyers schedule a septic inspection as a condition of sale. If it’s the dead of winter, the septic can be pumped, but it isn’tadvised. The tank needs to stay warm and insulated in theground. It will also cost you a mint as there’s more work to gainaccess to it when the ground is frozen. If you end up getting anoffer in the winter, and the tank hasn’t been pumped in thepast 24 months, you may be asked to pre-pay for a pumping inthe Spring.Signs of water damage are red flags for buyers as well. If yourbasement is damp, make sure you keep a dehumidifierrunning. If you get water in your basement, you may need tohave a foundation specialist take a peek at it. Nothing scares abuyer away more than the possibility of a foundation issue.

If you have had some moisture in the past, it may require asimple fix such as adjusting the downspouts and drainageso water flows further away from your house. If there is anissue, get a quote and don’t attempt to hide it. If it doesn’tcome up prior to the sale of your home and the new ownerdiscovers signs of re-occurring leakage issues that werehidden, you could get sued. What type of electrical system services your house? If it’san older knob and tube set-up, or if your have glass fuses,be prepared for this to affect the value of your home. Youmay think that everything will be fine as it’s working well,however, the buyer will have trouble securing insurancefor the home causing difficulties obtaining a mortgage. Ifyou have switches and outlets that don’t work, or breakersthat trip when overloaded, have an electrician take a peek.These things will come up during a home inspection.Ceilings can develop a cosmetic crack that doesn’t impactits integrity. Repair any damage and paint if it needssprucing up. Spend some time in every room of yourhouse inspecting the ceilings. If there are signs of waterleakage from the past, deal with it now. If there’s a leaksomewhere, fix it and then repair the ceiling that wasaffected. Moisture stains on ceilings are spotted by allhome buyers. If you have an appliance that is not working properly,investigate the cost of having it repaired. Whether or notyou fix it is up to you - but keep in mind that many buyerswill want the appliances included. If there are anydeficiencies, you will have to disclose them to the buyer toavoid any troubles on closing. If fixing them isn’t in yourbudget, exclude those particular items from the sale.Decks and patios should be in good condition. Repairany loose boards or handrails and stain or paint if needed.Remove weeds growing between paving stones, sweepand wash your patios.Budget-friendly reminder: At thebare minimum, you need to knowthe full picture. If you can’t affordto update or fix any of these things,know that the price you get for yourhouse will reflect any deficiencies.You will be able to make adifference in your home by payingvery close attention to the nextsteps. There are tons of suggestionsfor homeowners on a budget. Don’tget discouraged!

The next step is to conduct your own private inspection. During this stage, you are going to movefrom room-to-room, creating a master list of things that need your focus. This list will help youorganize your staging project and enable to you to delegate wherever you can. It may end uplong and feel overwhelming, or it may go faster than you think. Regardless of the size of the list,at the end of this step it will put you in the position of knowing what you need to do to get topdollar for your home.Keep in mind that not every single room in your house needs to be staged thoroughly, however, allrooms do need to be clean and well-presented. There are some rooms that won’t make or break asale. For example, while you want a nice-looking, organized laundry room, it won’t carry the sameselling power that other rooms do. With that said, a nice space to do your laundry is a definitebonus that won’t go unnoticed.Print off a copy of the included Staging Inspection Worksheet, grab a pen and let’s get to work. Thefirst room we will tackle is whatever room the buyer will be stepping into when they visit yourhome. It may be a foyer, a mudroom, or they may walk right into the kitchen. Indicate on yourworksheet what the name of the room is.During this stage, we are looking for things that need to be repaired, organized or de-cluttered. Weare noticing the overall appearance of the room and the furnishings. The focus at this point is increating the impression of a spacious, organized, well-taken care of home. We will get to thecosmetic aspect of staging after this.

Does the hall closet need to be cleaned and de-cluttered? Is there enough space for organizing your shoes and boots?Would it help to have baskets for hats, mittens and scarves?Are there floor mats keeping the area clean and clear of moisture?Are there enough hangers and hooks to store your clothing? Are there any wall or floor repairs that need to be done?Are the closet doors functioning properly?Is there a place to organize keys?The foyer area is a buyer’s first introduction to the inside of your home. It’s also the space wheremost homeowners drop everything off after a long day at work or school. Keys get tossed onto thetable, shoes get kicked to the side, bookbags are left lying around, and coats and umbrellas hangfrom the coat rack or are scattered across a bench. While for you that’s just part of everyday life, fora buyer it leaves the home looking unkept. Here are some things to look for:The end goal here, is to have a space where everything is neat and tidy and put away. You want it to appear as though there’s room for everything. Baseboards and trim repair and touch-upsTorn window screens and broken hardwareExcessively bright, dark, or rough walls that need re-paintingFlooring that needs to be repairedWall repairs including holes that need to be filled Ceilings that need to be paintedWindow treatments that need to be cleaned, repaired or replacedDoors that are squeaky or not functioning properlyExcessive furniture that blocks doorways and windows Condition of switch plates and outlet coversCondition of vent coversThere are a specific things to watch out for in every room. Make noteson your worksheet as you come across each item that needs attention.

Are the walls a neutral color? This is a relatively easy andinexpensive fix. It the wall are too dark, or brightly colored, anice neutral fresh paint job will make all the difference.If you have plants in the room, are they healthy and in nicecontainers?Is your furniture grouped in an aesthetically pleasing way? Are the lightbulbs in all lamps and ceiling fixtures working?Your living room should look inviting and comfortable. This is a cozyspace that people love to hang out and watch television or read.The buyer needs to imagine themselves relaxing in your living roomon their own furniture.Are the appliances in good condition?Are there shelves that can be de-cluttered?Does the faucet or sink leak?Are the countertops in good condition? Are there stains anywhere that can be cleaned?Is there anything that could use a fresh coat of paint?Is the furniture in good condition, or can any of it beremoved to make it feel more spacious and open?The kitchen is an area that must be staged well as it is one of therooms in the house that’s a huge selling point. If your kitchendoesn’t look it’s best, it can make or break the deal quickly. Yourhome can be old, but your kitchen must look cared-for and clean.Buyers need to visualize themselves preparing food in there.If your kitchen cabinets are old, don’t despair, there are ways tofreshen them up. Some of the most outdated kitchens can be madebeautiful with fresh paint and new hardware. In some cases, youmay even be able to add a nice molding around the top that willenhance the overall look. Strategic staging also goes a long way.We will chat more about that later.Take a look around and make a list of what you feel you can do. Does the chandelier need a good cleaning? Are all bulbs working?Have you been storing excess stuff on yourdining room table? Is your hutch overly cluttered with dishesand other items? Your dining room will need to be restored toits original purpose. Some people use theirdining rooms as an office space, or as agathering spot for paperwork, crafts and otherthings. You will need to focus on making thisspace look like a wonderful place to entertainfamily and friends.

Are your countertops in good condition? Does any of the caulking need to be scrubbed or re-done? Does the grout look dirty and need special attention?Do you have open garbage cans out in the open?These will need to be tucked away, or cans with lidswill need to be purchased. Nobody wants to see whatyou throw out in your bathroom.Do you have a lot of products in the bathtub, shower,and on the counters? You will need to figure outstorage for these items.Does the toilet lid need to be replaced?Does the toilet flush properly?Is there any rust, lime or mildew that will need specialattention?Has your shower curtain seen better days?Do you need a new shower curtain liner?Each of your bathrooms should be as inviting and spotlessas possible. Personal items need to be stored out of sightand toilet lids need to be down. Things to look for in thebathroom include:What furniture can be removed to create theillusion of more space?Do you need new sheets, blankets and pillowsfor your bed? Keep in mind that you want yourbed to look warm and cozy. Is there a ton of stuff stashed under your bedthat needs to be removed?Do you leave a lot of items on your dressers andnightstands that can be stored?Are there any personal items that need to behidden away?Does the closet need to be gutted andorganized?Does your laundry bin have a lid? If not, do youhave a spot to stash it away?Similar to the living room, you will want to remove allbulky furnishings so the bedrooms feel spacious.Stash some furniture at a friend’s house, or rent astorage unit during the period you have your homelisted. You want the room to look sparse, but notlacking character. Having a lot of furniture makes abedroom look cramped.The bed should look cozy even if it’s not a verycomfortable one. For example, if the bed is too lowto the floor, it can make the bedroom look off-balance. If necessary, settle the bed on riserstemporarily to make it look taller and fuller. You willneed to remove anything you might normally storeunder it if it can be seen when a prospective buyer isviewing the room. Keep in mind that closets are the one thing thatmany homeowners don’t really think about becausethey don’t think the buyer will open them. They do.They want to know how much storage space they’regoing to have.

Is there opportunity to get rid of things that you don’tuse any more?Do you need to get shelving racks or hooks to organizeit better?Would purchasing a few totes to store stuff in helpmake it look nicer, and ultimately easier to movearound?Are there stains on the floor that need to be cleaned?Are there cobwebs in the corners?Is the garbage and recycling tidy and ready to betaken to the curb?Do all light fixtures work?Is the garage door opener functioning properly? Does the garage door open and close withoutsqueaking and groaning? Are all personal items including bills,invoices and statements tucked awaysecurely?Are cords a in a tangled mess?Are there documents you no longerneed that can be shredded?Are there books you don’t needanymore?Is your office chair causing damage tothe flooring underneath it? Although everyone loves a garage for storing items, manyalso see it as an opportunity to be used as a workshop. Showthe maximum potential your garage has to offer.

A buyer’s first impression is what they see when they pull into your driveway. What is outside thehome is going to be the first thing that tells a buyer if they want to see the inside. Curb appeal issomething that can set your home up to sell fast - and it doesn’t have to cost a whole lot tospruce it up. If the parging on your foundation is cracked or chipping, consider re-parging to improve theappearance of your home. Make sure the lawn looks great and that it is properly edged. For instant curb appeal, have flowers in a flower bed or in decorative pots, or use greenery.Put flowers around trees and mulch to make the beds look clean and well-cared for. Arrange your outdoor furniture to showcase the benefits of spending time outside.Install new hardware on the front door or paint it to freshen it up. Make sure the driveway and all pathways are clear of snow and ice. (If applicable)Upgrade the porch light if it looks old or dated. Paint or buy new house numbers.Renovate or replace the mailbox. Add hanging plants.Replace any burned out lightbulbs.Repair any loose or rotting deck boards.Paint the shutters.

To get your home staged for a fast sale, you need to de-clutter all rooms. When you de-clutter ahome, you make it look bigger. It gives the appearance of having more living space, which issomething that appeals to potential buyers. It also prepares you for your move. It’s the perfect time to let go of the things you no longer needor want. This is your opportunity to purge! It will be easier and cheaper to move if you let go ofexcess items you no longer need before having to pack them on a moving truck to ultimately takeup space in your new home. A lot of people use some rooms in their homes for things other than their intended use. Forexample, sometimes people put workout machines in their living room. This can give the buyer theimpression that the home is too small. Many people use spare rooms in the basement to stash alltheir extra stuff. If you have a space like this, clear it out and set it up as another spacious room toenjoy. A great way to get started with the de-cluttering process is to get three large plastic totes and labelthem Keep, Sell and Donate. Take these bins with you into each room as you work on getting yourhouse ready to sell. Ultimately, you will want to go through all your closets, drawers, and otherstorage spaces.

Kitchens offer tons of storage, and tons of opportunity to stash nolonger needed items. You will need to go through your cabinets. Paredown all your containers, dishes and utensils and keep theminimum. Your cupboards need to be neat and not piled uphaphazardly with dishes and food items. The same with your pantry. Don’t have a half dozen boxes of half-empty cereal and scattered bags of bread lying around. It will makethe kitchen look crowded and unclean. If you have had a mice issuein the past, remove any old traps and make sure all food is properlysealed so there’s no opportunity for mice to make their way back in.Most people are completely turned off by a home if they see thatthere has been a rodent problem. Take care of it right away.Use baskets or other storage containers to keep things neat. Takethe magnets, drawings and anything else off the front and sides ofthe refrigerator. Put away the family scheduling calendar. Take the appliances off the countertops and put them out of sight.Appliances take up space and make countertops look a lot smallerthan they are. Clean off the top of the refrigerator if you store thingsup there. If you have a lot of knick-knacks, pack them away. Don’t leavepotholders or any dishwashing detergent or scrubbers out ondisplay. Since this is usually your “drop everythingoff” area, it can look cluttered and junky.Take out everything except a small tableand a nice decorative bowl or flowers. Makesure you have your coats, shoes, boots,umbrellas and all hallway items properlystored. If your hall closet is too small, stashseasonally inappropriate items in anothercloset. You want the space to look likethere’s lots of room for everything. Clearingthe foyer clutter will immediately give theimpression of openness. Pull everything out of your hall closet. Cleanit thoroughly and make any repairs to thewalls, floor, hanging fixtures etc. Now it’stime to go through your pile of stuff. Pickup each item one-by-one and decidewhether you wish to keep it, sell it or donateit. Place the items in the corresponding bin. Once you have divided everything up, takethe Donate items and place them in boxesand bags and take them to a charitableorganization or other place that acceptsitems of this nature. It could be a localshelter, the salvation army, or similarlocation. Place the items in the Sell bin in a space youhave designated for yard sale items. Youcan hold a garage sale, sell them on Kijiji orCraigslist, or even on local social media yardsale pages. Whatever is left over, can bebrought to the same place you brought yourdonation items to. Carefully organize the items you arekeeping and place them back in the closetneatly.

A dining room needs to be de-cluttered as it often acts as the place where thekitchen clutter spills over - especially if you have any shelves, or hutches. Cleareverything off and if you have a hutch that holds plates or knick-knacks, eitherremove most of the items or put the hutch in storage. Pare down the number ofdecorations and put away stacked placemats and salt and pepper shakers. Organize any clutter that is in theliving room. Put away gamingcontrollers, TV remotes, magazinesand books. If you have tons of pillows andthrow blankets, minimalize what ison display. Take out any toys orbaby items like swings or walkers. Clear away the clutter from sidetables, fireplace mantels andbookshelves. If you have a lot ofdecorations on the walls, takesome of them down and repair anyholes. In the bathroom, clear the countertops of any products or personal items. Noone wants to see razors, toothpaste or any other toiletry on display. Do thesame thing with your shower area. Put away anything that says someone livesin the house. It makes buyers uncomfortable even though it’s an obvious fact. Put away your scale, garbage can and toilet cleaning brush. Avoid havingbathmats out. They tend to stay damp, and there’s nothing more irritating thangetting your socks wet while viewing a property. Make sure everything issparkling clean. Clean out drawers, closets and cabinets in the bathroom. Some buyers will takea peek. They aren’t being nosy. They want to see the storage options and ifeverything is in good condition. Many times, sellers will have dirty drawers withold crusty toothpaste and product stains. If your drawers are older, paint them,or line them with nice contact paper to clean them up.

In the bedrooms, you need to remove things that cramp up the space.Not only does this include heavy or large furniture but it also includeswhat’s in your closets and drawers. Closets can become like junk drawers. Many homeowners shove thingsin them to deal with “later” but that time often never comes. Go throughall the closets in your home and take out stuff that you know you’re notgoing to use within the next few months. Get rid of clothes you nolonger wear, pack up seasonal clothes and organize all accessories andshoes. Too many pillows and blankets on a bed can make it look cluttered.Pare down the bedding to make the space look less full. Opting for aminimalist look in the bedroom can make it seem larger than it really is. Don’t leave a bunch of items piled on the floor - especially sportsequipment. Your bedrooms should leave buyers thinking about howmuch room there is rather than how much there isn’t. Start by cleaning out the entire garageas it will be easier to de-clutter thatway. Paint walls, doors, or the floor ifneeded while everything is out. Purgewhat needs to go - including tools thatyou have in multiple batches. No oneneeds five hammers. Then as you putthings back, use organization productsto help keep everything in its place. Remember to create a place foreverything, and keep everything in itsplace. Tools for the yard like pruningshears, a weed-eater, an edger orlawnmowers should be kept neatlytogether rather than scattered allaround. While getting your house ready to sell,the garage is a great place to storeitems while de-cluttering the rest ofyour home. Your final task will be toremove these containers and boxes andstore them somewhere else. Ask familyor friends if you can temporarily storesome belongings in their garages orrent a storage container to stash itwhile your house is on the market. Some people make the mistake ofstoring all their excess belongings in alower level bedroom that isn’t beingused. Avoid doing this as potentialbuyers need to have a really good ideaof what your house has to offer in termsof space and storage. A room filled withboxes, bags and other stuff detractsfrom the bonus space that it is. The home office is a gathering of personal items. Take all bills, invoicesand statements and tuck them away. Shred any documentation you nolonger need and remove books that are no longer useful to you. Cleanyour desk so it looks inviting to sit down and get to work.

There are two different camps when it comes to this topic. Some feel that personal photosshould be removed so buyers can get a feel for how lovely the home will look with their ownbelongings. These people feel that you should keep the home de-personalized so the buyer canimagine themselves, and their stuff in it.Others feel that some personal items help buyers to see the love in the home. Your safest bet is tominimalize the quantity of personal belongings on display. If you have walls of family photosand framed pictures on every table, put the majority of them away.The most important point is that you don’t want the buyer paying attention to your life. You wantthem paying attention to the house. And let’s face it, almost every buyer will go into a home, leanin and take a close look at the photos on display to see if they know who you are. I can guaranteethis happens almost 100% of the time.It’s one thing to live in a home and another to sell it. Sentimental knick-knacks should be packedaway just like the pictures. You want to make a connection with the buyer about the house, notover your figurine collection. You need to take out any memorabilia that you have as well asanything that you collect. For example, if you collect turtle figurines and related décor, then youneed to put those away, or greatly minimize your display.

Your home needs a deep cleaning before you put it on the market. There is a difference between“everyday clean” and “selling your house clean”. You can do it yourself if you have the time, butknow that thoroughly cleaning a home can take you a few days to do it right. The other option is to hire a professional who has more experience cleaning at a deeper level anddoesn’t overlook the things that a homeowner will. How many times can we pass the samecobweb without noticing it? When you see something every day, you can stop actually “seeing”it. You can also become immune to the scents in your home - so ask someone to come over andtell you if your house has any strange or unpleasant odors.Clean or replace window blinds Wash all the lightbulbs and fixtures Wipe down switch plates and outlet covers Ceiling fans should be cleaned at the base,on the blades and the lightsRemove any cobwebs from ceilingsWipe off the tops of all door frames andclean baseboardsClean underneath, and behind all furnitureIf you have rugs, they need to be washed orsteam cleanedVacuum under and between couchcushions and other furnitureWipe down table legs and kitchen chairsWash all pet bedding, toys and dishesWash and clean out all the garbage cansWash all the appliances and clean out therefrigerator and freezerMake sure the garbage disposal is clean andsmells goodRemove any discoloration in the bathroomsand clean all mirrorsPut fresh sheets and blankets on all bedsSweep, vacuum and deep clean all floorsIf you have carpeting, steam clean it or getit professionally cleanedClean exterior doorsClean all screensWash all doorknobsWash all walls

We are finally ready for the finishing touches. The hard work is done, and all we have left to do isto strategically place decorative items to enhance the feel of your home.Pre-pack some of your books so they aren’t overfilling bookshelves. Tuck away books that are inrough condition, or that may be offensive to some. Think spacious and clean lines. If you have a lotof books, it can make a home look cluttered, but a couple of old hardcover books, especially theclassics, can be used as props on a coffee table or end table. Stack them creatively and arrangetastefully with simple accessories.Accent pillows make a home look invitingand luxurious. Pay attention to theircolor and texture. There is something soinviting about a soft, pretty pillow on acouch, armchair, bench or bed.Avoid overdoing pillows and cushions.They should enhance the look, not take itover. If you’re not sure what color, lookat the wall art in the room for inspirationto draw from.

One prop that you’ll often see suggested ishaving a bowl of fruit out - such as apples,pears or oranges. The drawback of using abowl of apples is that most people are awarethat this tactic has been done time-and-timeagain. Be creative wherever you can. Place thefruit in places that make sense, such as thekitchen or dining area.If you do use fruit, keep an eye on them tomake sure they always look fresh, and don’tsmell bad. These items are great to add abright pop of color that reminds people ofsunny days. Lemons can outlast apples andthey look great in any room. Your dining room should have a lovely table. Set the tablewith placemats, cloth napkins and nice dishes. Make sureall dishes are clean and sparkling and that the table is setfor a nice dinner with a centerpiece or unlit candle.If you have the budget for new lamps, get matching sets foreither side of the couch, and for your nightstands in thebedroom. There’s something about matching lamps thatgive a designer-look to any room.Place a small rug under your kitchen or dining room table.It helps accent and define this space. This is especially niceif the rest of your home is done in neutral colors. This couldbe your chance to throw in a pop of color.There’s nothing more enchanting than the natural beautyof flowers. Place a vase of fresh cut flowers in your foyer,living room, or any place in the home for that matter. Avoidusing artificial flowers, as they create more of a staged feel.To keep them fresh, refrigerate them overnight and changetheir water daily. Greenery really adds warmth to a home. Again, focus onfresh, live plants instead of fake foliage. Bringing natureinto your home like this makes it welcoming and friendly.We automatically breathe more deeply when surroundedby nature.

One way to add props to a bathroom thathelps it look more inviting is to give it thatspa-like feel. You want buyers thinking ofluxury and relaxation. Start by addingplush towels. In whatever color you’d like.Keep in mind that thick, white towelsmake people think of spas. You may wantto invest in new towels for this purpose.Do not use old, torn, stained towels. Theyneed to look fresh, plush and soft.Remember that bathrooms are designedwith lots of hard, cold surfaces. We areaiming to soften that feel.Set up a bathtub tray with candles andperhaps a book to suggest that this iswhere relaxation takes place. When arranging knick-knacks, remember to arrange them inodd numbers of 3, 5 or 7. Remember less is more. Everytable top does not need a knick-knack. Keep them tastefuland use them as accents rather than focal points.Serving trays can be set up in just about any room withapplicable items. Don’t overdo it. You don’t want one inevery room. For example, you could set one up on a dresserin your bedroom. It could have your glasses, a book ormagazine, or a nice mug. Anything that gives theimpression that you relax in your bedroom. You could alsoset out a tray like this in your living room.If your rooms are neutral in color, consider hanging a largepainting over your bed, couch or in the dining room.Something with soft colors, such as a simple landscape orabstract. Large pieces of art look fantastic on large wallsand are especially nice over fireplaces. Choose this optionover hanging many small paintings throughout. Also payattention to how high pictures are hung on the wall. Manypeople make the mistake of hanging them too high. Thecenter of the painting should be at eye-level.Mirrors create the illusion of more space and increaselighting throughout. When strategically placed, mirrors canalso highlight features of the home including a reflection ofthe beautiful yard or landscape outside. Mirrors are a greatoption for the wall over your couch if you don’t have a largepainting. They can also be hung in the front foyer.

You’ve now reached the stage where you’re just about ready to put your house on the market. Tomake sure that your home really is market-ready, it’s time to put yourself into the buyer’s shoes.You’re going to tour your own house to make sure you haven’t missed anything. During this tour,you will be engaging all of your senses to experience it as a home buyer will. It will be helpful tohave a small notepad handy to write down your first impression of each room as it pertains toeach of your senses.When you walk into a room, make note of the first scent thatyou notice. For example, you may smell fabric softener whenyou step into your bedroom, or open closets. The goal is tomake sure all rooms smell fresh and appealing. In the kitchen,breathe deeply to see if you can pick up on any scents from thegarbage can or disposal.Go through the each room and listen carefully. If there’s anything distracting, like a loud clock ticking, you may want to remove it. If you walk across the floor and it squeaks, investigate to see if it’s something thatyou need to take care of. When you push open doors, pay attention to the sounds they make. Does your home give the buyer a welcoming feel when it comes to the sense of touch? Doyour beds look cozy? Are the cushions and pillows nicely arranged to look comfy? How doyour feet feel? Are there cold or rough patches that need to be fixed?Avoid burning too manycandles, diffusers or warmers asthey give the impression thatyou are hiding something. Thereare also many buyers who aresensitive to smells. When thefragrance is too strong, they areturned off immediately. Thebest defense when it comes to anice smelling home is a deepcleaning.

Take a few minutes to walk through your home and see what thebuyer will see when looking out the windows. Does the backyardlook tidy? Can you see garbage or recycling bins in your yard. Dowhat you can to minimize unattractive views. If your bathroomwindow looks right into the neighbour’s house, consider installing afrosted effect on the window. Hardware stores carry easy-to-installfilms and sprays that look quite nice and are affordable.The way a room looks makes a lasting impression on a buyer. Doesit look comfortable and welcoming? Look for anything that’s out ofplace or captures attention in a bad way. Spend some time gettingthe lighting just right in your home. Open all the curtains andblinds, and shift the location of lamps to avoid dark corners. Thegoal isn’t to blind the buyer, but you do want to showcase howopen and bright your home is. Dark homes, with closed curtainsand minimal artificial light leave a sad, depressing feel. You might think that taste isn’t a factor when staging your home,however it can have a part to play. You want buyers to imagineenjoying a delicious meal in your home. This could mean the scentof home-baking lingering in the air; a tray of cookies or cinnamonbuns for them to snack on, or simply the ambiance of a place wheremeals are thoroughly enjoyed.If you have a friend you can trust to give youtheir honest opinion, invite them over to takethe tour with you. Other people often pick upon things we accidentally overlook.

Fill in the name of the room you are inspecting and create a list of tasks that need to be done. Once you have gone through your entirehouse, delegate jobs to whoever is available to help you. Print as many of these sheets as you need to cover every room in your home.

Curtains and blinds are open to let the natural light inSmall appliances in kitchen are put awayCountertops are wiped downDish towels and rags are put awayCouch cushions are arrangedFresh towels are hung in the bathroomLaundry hampers are closedToilets, sinks, and tubs are cleanToilet lids are closedAll shower and bathroom products are put awayDrawers, cupboards and closets are properly closedNightstands and dressers are cleared of excess itemsBeds are madeEverything is dustedFloors are swept and vacuumedCleaning supplies are put awayAll garbage in containers are emptied and garbage bags are removedAll personal items and documents in home office are tucked out of sightLighting is on throughout the housePet bowls are put away for the showingDoggie land mines have been removed from the yardCat litter is cleaned outGrass is cut and edges are trimmedGardens are weededPatio furniture is nicely arrangedFront walkway and porch are sweptSnow is cleared in driveway and walkways and salt is thrown down(If applicable)Note: If you have a dog, take it with you, or have a friend puppy-sit at their house duringshowings. If you have cats, make sure your real estate agent knows if they are allowedoutside so that information can be passed along to the Buyer's agent.Review this checklist to make sure your house is show-ready every time a showing is booked.Always have your home ready to show when you leave for work in the morning and when you head outfor the weekend. Last minutes showing requests do pop up and often lead to an offer.