Staging the Interior - Checklist

You now want the inside to look as good as the outside.

• Present a fresh and clean interior. A freshly painted house is a major contribution to its quick sale. Select neutral colors. Paint ceilings and trim if necessary. Shampoo carpets if they are worth it otherwise consider replacement. Professionally polish wood floors.

• "Kitchens and bathrooms sell houses." They should be sparkling with all fixtures, tiles, and cabinets clean and neat.   Pretty and fresh bathroom towels and kitchen towels are pleasing.

• Clean windows and window treatments. Dust ceiling fan blades and wash light fixtures.  Clean wall switch plate covers.  The laundry room, storage room, workshop, garage need to be trim and clean, too. 

• Remove all excess items from kitchen counters to give the impression of spacious work surfaces.

• Live with the bare essentials while the house is on the market.  An uncluttered house gives the impression of spaciousness.  Since you will be packing to move in any event, start now by packing extraneous items sitting on tabletops, dressers, counters, and closets. Thin out overfurnished rooms. Consider renting a storage facility to store excess lamps, tables and large items that crowd rooms, including plants that are too large for the spaces they occupy.

• Replace burned out light bulbs with the largest wattage that is safe to use. Keep lights on throughout the house and window curtains and blinds open while the house is being shown. 

• Pleasing aromas, in moderation, are appealing.  A light commercial scent or a saucepan of water with cinnamon simmering on the stove will give off an appealing scent.

• Very low, mellow background music may be appealing.  Silence is most appealing. Turn off television sets or keep volume very, very low.

• Remove pet odors.  Many buyers do now want to smell animals in a house. Keep pets under control, or better yet, out of the house during house showings or open houses. 

• It is preferable to leave the house during showings.  Buyers will inspect houses more seriously if the owners are not there.

• Be a friendly  host/hostess.  Place cookies on a tray on the kitchen counter for your prospective buyers to enjoy with a note expressing your welcoming spirit.

• Leave parking spaces on driveways or on the street, if possible, for showings.  

Little things go a long way towards getting your home sold quickly for the best price.