Prepping your property for market

Completing the "Home Staging Checklist" and "Photography Prep Checklist" is essential for making a strong first impression on potential buyers, highlighting your property's best features through well-prepared staging and photography. These efforts can significantly increase the property's appeal, potentially raise its market value, and expedite the sale process. By showcasing a clean, inviting, and well-maintained space, sellers can attract more interest and facilitate a quicker, more profitable sale.

Home Staging Checklist

• Declutter each room to create a sense of space and openness.
• Remove personal items such as family photos, collections, and personal keepsakes.
• Deep clean every nook and cranny, including windows, floors, countertops, and appliances.
• Consider professional cleaning for carpets and upholstery.
• Open all curtains and blinds to let in natural light.
• Update light fixtures or add lamps to brighten up any dark spaces.
• Schedule photo shoots during the time of day when your home receives the most natural light.
• Apply a fresh coat of paint in a neutral color to brighten spaces.
• Fix minor repairs such as leaky faucets, squeaky doors, or loose handles.
• Arrange furniture to showcase the flow of the room and maximize usable space.
• In the living room, create cozy seating areas that invite relaxation.
• In the bedroom, make the bed with attractive linens to suggest comfort.
• Ensure each room is well-staged to highlight its best features.
• Tidy the landscaping to enhance your home’s curb appeal.
• Paint the front door for a fresh, welcoming entrance.
• Add a few potted plants near the entrance for a touch of greenery.
• Ensure the exterior is photographed on a clear day for the best lighting.
• Focus staging and photography efforts on the kitchen, living room, and master bedroom.
• Declutter, light, and furnish the key areas attractively to capture potential buyers’ interest.
• Consider hiring professional stagers for expert advice on presenting your home.
• Hire professional photographers with the skills and equipment to capture high-quality images of your home.

*Once you have booked your shoot, you should aim to complete the “Photography Prep Checklist” within the 24 hours leading up to your confirmed appointment time.

Photography Prep Checklist

Exterior:

• Mow overgrown lawns, trim shrubs and trees, and clean up debris.
• Remove or tidy outdoor furniture as necessary.
• Close all exterior doors, including garage doors.
• Remove leaves from the driveway and walkways.

Interior:

• Vacuum carpets, dust furniture and floors, and declutter.
• Wipe down windows and mirrors to remove smudges.
• Clean the stove, kitchen counters, and sink.
• Make bathrooms sparkle and place new toilet paper rolls.
• Close toilet lids to maintain tidiness.
• Ensure all beds are made.
• Hide distracting belongings.
• Open windows to utilize natural light.
• Turn on all lights to highlight areas.
• Turn off TVs and computers to avoid distractions.

Overall:

Diligently completing the "Home Staging Checklist" and the "Photography Prep Checklist" is a strategic move for sellers aiming to showcase their property in the best possible light. These checklists serve as comprehensive guides to ensuring every corner of your home is primed for the market, from decluttering and deep cleaning to maximizing natural light and enhancing curb appeal. By adhering to these steps, sellers can not only boost their property's aesthetic appeal and market value but also gain the peace of mind that comes from knowing they've taken every measure to achieve the best possible results. In a competitive real estate market, this meticulous preparation can be the key to standing out, attracting the right buyers, and facilitating a smooth, swift sale.