A well-staged home lets your home's potential shine through, giving hopeful homeowners a peek at all the different things that can be done with the space.
We are frequently asked by our clients how they can get their homes in top-shape for the sale or rental markets. Whether you are hiring a professional stager, or staging on your own, we cannot stress the importance of the first impression your listing photos will leave on your potential buyer/renter.
Below you'll find our 'Stager Starter Kit' to hopefully make the process as simple as possible for you.
Once your home is photo-ready, let us take over the rest with the photographers. We are committed to showcasing all that makes your home so special!
Exterior of the Property
- Ideally, time photos during the fall or the spring, when colors are most vibrant. Slighly overcast/cloudy days work great!
- Remove cars from driveway/front of home
- Have your landscaper clean up the yard prior to the shoot, if possible. If not possible, try to remove any fallen sticks/branches from the ground and sweep your driveway & walkways
- Remove all grill and patio furniture covers, children's toys and tools. If possible to remove children's play-sets, that is great.
- Add pillows and decorative items to outdoor furniture
- All umbrellas should be open
- Remove all signs (security signs, pesticide treatment, etc)
- If the home has a pool that is open, ensure the pool is clean. It is always best to try to photo homes with pools with pool uncovered
Kitchen
- De-clutter the counters, including removal of small appliances, toaster ovens, etc
- Remove floor mats and dish towels
- Remove all items from the refrigerator - magnets, calendars, photos etc
- Organize shelves that are visible
- Hide soaps and dish washing utensils
- Remove dishes from the sink and/or counters
- Consider placing a few flowers in a vase or monochromatic pieces of fruit in a bowl (apples, oranges etc)
- Set the eating spaces with plates/glasses
Main Living Areas - Living, Dining & Family Rooms
- Remove personal items and family photos for all surfaces
- Open curtains and blinds to let natural light into the home
- Make sure all lamps and recessed lights are working - replace bulbs prior to the photo shoot if necessary
- Vacuum carpets and/or sweep the floors
- Remove children’s and pets toys/beds
- Make sure couch pillows are propped up and straightened
- Keep TV’s and monitors off
- Add flowers or plants where appropriate, even fake ones
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
- Make the beds & arrange pillows/throw blankets for decoration
- Remove personal clutter from surfaces - photographs, chargers, electronics, books, etc
- Put clothes & shoes away in closet
- Remove all bathmats from the floor
- Arrange the towels neatly on the towel rack
- Clear the counters and vanities of toiletries
- Clean mirrors
- Close toilet lids
- Remove all items from the bath tub and/or shower
The bottom line: allowing buyers/renters to envision how they may live in your space is KEY. As much as you may love your family and pets, it is best to remove all signs of these precious family members prior to Photo Day...let your home's best features take center stage and shine!
A picture can be worth thousands of dollars, as listing photos will be the first impression potential buyers will receive of your home.
