Follow this cheat sheet to get your listing show-ready
PJ & Company offers its “Checklist for Success” as a guide to get a home in move-in-ready condition and attract more attention from home buyers. Try these basic, budget-friendly steps.
Make basic interior and exterior repairs and updates.
Is everything in working condition? Repair and replace broken bulbs, switches, ceiling fans, door knobs, leaky faucets, loose railings, and steps.
Touch up any obvious cosmetic damage, such as holes or dents in the walls, peeling paint, water damage, or cracked windows and tiles.
Switch out dated light fixtures and hardware in the entryway, kitchen, and bathrooms with more contemporary styles for an instant boost.
Consider replacing older, less-efficient kitchen appliances with sleek, eco-friendly models to appeal to buyers.
Clean and declutter.
Stow away personal photos, collections, and knick-knacks that could distract buyers from seeing the property’s best features.
Remove unnecessary, dated, and larger furniture pieces that make a room feel dark and cramped.
Hire a professional cleaning service to make the home shine and smell fresh, which is especially important if pets are present.
Refresh and brighten.
Remove dated wallpaper and freshen walls with neutral paint so unique home features stand out.
Remove dark and heavy curtains to let more natural light in and spotlight the windows.
Remove and/or replace soiled carpeting, and polish dull and worn floors to make the room sparkle.
Consider spraying older kitchen cabinets or dark wood vanities with bright white paint, and add updated hardware for an instant facelift.
Create a “wow” factor with inviting, modern styling.
Return rooms to their original purpose to match buyers’ needs (i.e. style an upstairs office or extra storage room with a bed, night stand, and small desk).
Use strategic furniture arrangements to improve flow and increase the perceived size of spaces.
Pair furniture with on-trend, modern accents that help buyers emotionally connect, such as shag or woven rugs, colorful wall art, pillows, and bright white bedding.
Partner with a pro.
Consult with a professional home stager who will have an objective eye and knowledge of what appeals to today’s sophisticated buyers. The stager can provide a range of solutions for enhancing your home showings by recommending furniture placement, wall color, and complementary modern accessories for achieving a clean, welcoming style.
Content by Patti Stern
Patti Stern, principal, interior decorator and professional stager of PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating, has been decorating and staging homes since 2005.