PureWest Home Staging Guide

Home Staging

front yard & backyard

Clear away anything old, worn or broken: cracked planters, old patio furniture, faded rugs

Store equipment: lawn mowers, weed whackers, gardening supplies, extra patio furniture

Put away sporting equipment and toys: soccer/ hockey nets, bikes, sports balls

Pressure wash siding, driveway, and patios

Clean exterior windows

Re-stain wood siding, patios, and decks

Clean exterior lights and replace any burnt out bulbs

Clean pool and/or hot tub

Hide trash can from curb view

Remove vehicles from driveway

garage & driveway

Sweep, wash, and seal any cracks in concrete

Ensure lights and doors are functioning properly

Organize items, store and stack neatly

Dispose of or donate any items you’re not using Store large items elsewhere to give the impression of ample storage

Clean garage door and windows

Upping your property’s curb appeal helps create a positive first impression for potential buyers and often sets the tone for the entire showing.

lawn & garden

Remove any unhealthy or decaying plantings/trees

Maintain lawn, flower beds, and new plantings throughout selling process

Prune/trim hedges, bushes, and shrubs

Clean pet waste daily

Rake leaves

Add beauty bark to landscaped beds and tree wells

front door

Ensure house numbers are clearly visible, replacing if necessary

Repaint and/or clean front door, knobs, light fixtures

For an evening showing make sure the area is well lit

Ensure railings are in good shape, replace or repaint if needed

Stage the entrance with planters, flowers, door mat, holiday appropriate decorations, chairs or a bench if the area is large enough

notes

Home Staging

depersonalize

Choose neutral paint colors

Remove bold colors and dated items

Put away family photos, trophies, diplomas

Remove items that might be considered controversial

Remove counter/bedside items: toothbrushes, medications, lotions, hair accessories, makeup, etc.

declutter

Consider renting a storage unit if you have lots of items packed away already

Pack away seasonal decor

Remove oversized furniture

Tidy the pantry throwing out any expired food or donating items you won’t eat

pro tips

1. Make each room’s function obvious

2. Prioritize packing

3. Create neutral color schemes where possible

4. Only keep essential items, pack and store other items for your new home

5. Declutter one room at a time

6. Deep clean after decluttering spaces pets & toys

Remove any unused or extra toys and pet items

Put away toys each night or morning in anticipation of showings during the day

Put away pet items for showings: food and water bowls, treat containers, beds, toy bins, kennels

Pack items from bookcases and tables, leaving only enough to stage each area simple repairs

Re-grout tiles in bathrooms and kitchens

Re-caulk around bathtubs, sinks, and moldings

Replace dated or damaged hardware on cabinets and drawers

Repaint or clean any scuffs on doors and baseboards

Oil squeaky hinges

Fill and paint holes or markings on walls

Replace torn screens in windows and doors

Replace damaged switch plates and outlet covers

Change out AC and furnace filters

Clean any pet habitats regularly, if not daily: litter boxes, pet bedding, aquariums/terrariums

Fix loud cabinet doors and drawers with peel and stick felt pads

Check faucets for leaks and fix as needed

Replace damaged weather stripping around doors

Re-key any locks that you don’t have keys for

Check landscape lights to ensure all are working

Check all windows to make sure they open and close easily; check locks as well

Clear gutters of any debris and check that downspouts are directed away from the house properly

Home Staging

overall

Open curtains and blinds

Clean windows and mirrors

Thoroughly clean high shine surfaces: faucets, stainless steel appliances, high gloss doors and cabinets

Remove floor mats and rugs

Turn off ceiling fans

Vacuum and mop floors

Close closet doors

Install warm white light bulbs

Clear all surfaces of clutter

Remove all traces of pets

kitchen & bathrooms

Hang fresh white towels in baths

Put toilet seats down

Close shower curtains, replacing if necessary

Put away all personal items: hygiene products, medications, slippers, bills, jewelry boxes, candles, etc.

Clear counter tops completely: put away small appliances, paper towel holders, utensil holders, etc.

Remove all magnets, papers and pictures from the refrigerator

Move garbage bins out of sight

Clear any dirty dishes

additional items

Tidy front and backyard removing any lawn equipment, toys, trash bins, etc.

Remove BBQ covers and open patio umbrellas

Remove vehicles, boats, etc. from driveway

Add fresh beauty bark to landscaped beds and tree wells

living & bedrooms

Make every bed, arrange all pillows, place throws, and fold blankets neatly

Clear dressers, nightstands, coffee tables. Keep only minimal decor such as lamps

Put away all clothing and hide hampers

prior to showing

Avoid cooking anything with a strong odor

Hang fresh towels in the bathrooms

Make every bed and arrange pillows

Open all curtains and blinds

Empty all trash and recycling bins

Put toilet seats down and close shower curtains

Clear all surfaces

Set the dining room table to create ambiance

Turn on all lights

Clear the kitchen sink of any dishes

Wipe down counters and mirrors

Sweep floors

Move vehicles from driveway

notes

pro tips

1. Leave during the showing so buyers can picture themselves in the space

2. Take pets with you

3. Playing light jazz at a low volume has been shown to be pleasing during home viewings. Be mindful of commercials on free versions of Spotify, Pandora, etc.

4. Always secure your belongings and medications out of sight. You can even take them with you if it’s easier.

5. Some showings might be last minute or show up late, remember that you want to sell your home so being accommodating is in your best interest.

6. Don’t expect buyers to remove their shoes. Provide a proper mat to wipe shoes on and offer booties.

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