A home staging checklist for listing agents

Before the staging walk-through

• Agree the likely buyer. Family, downsizer, first-time buyer, investor. Every staging choice follows from this.
• Set the listing date and photo date first, then work backward. Installation usually takes about a day.
• Ask the seller to start decluttering and to clear surfaces, closets and the garage if buyers will see them.
• Note what stays: furniture that works, art that is valuable, items that can't be moved.

Room by room

Focus first on the rooms buyers react to most: the primary bedroom, living room, dining room, kitchen countertops and bathrooms.

• Living room: one clear seating group, one focal point, enough light, and a path to walk through.
• Dining room: a table that looks like a table for the room's size, set simply.
• Kitchen: clear counters, a few styled pieces, nothing near the sink or stove that suggests clutter.
• Primary bedroom: a made bed with layered, neutral bedding and a calm, uncluttered look.
• Bathrooms: fresh towels, clear counters, and nothing personal in view.
• Spare rooms: give each a clear purpose, such as guest room or home office.
• Outdoor areas: sweep, tidy and add seating if the space is usable.

Before the photographer arrives

• Open every blind and turn on every light.
• Remove cars, bins and hoses from view of exterior shots.
• Check that nothing personal or cluttered shows up in the corners of wide shots.
• Do a walk-through of the home from each photo angle.

Before open houses and showings

A staged home can still look tired by the weekend. Re-check pillows and throws, fresh flowers or greenery, and any signs of everyday life.

If something needs adjusting, ask your stager. We make adjustments after installation, and it's part of how we work.