Its an art and a science to prepare your home for the market in order to make it as appealing as possible to a variety of potential buyers. Heed your Selling Agents or Professional Stagers advice. Here are some tips and tricks that help me help you get the most out of your marketing material. The Gist of it is- make it look and smell like no Human or Pet has ever lived there. Easy enough, right?

The Four D’s and an L 

Dust- make every surface from floor to ceiling shine!

De-clutter- remove all non-decorative items

Depersonalize- hide family photos, hygiene products, and trashcans

De-odorize- Purchase volcanic stone reusable deodorizing bags and place around the house. These suck smells and moisture out of the air vs masking them with heavy perfumes. https://a.co/d/agpDO0W

Lighting- ensure every lightbulb works, interior and exterior,  and all ceiling fan blades are turned off. Bonus points if your lightbulbs match in color temperature. Clean windows, remove solar screens, and make sure your blinds function properly and curtains can be neatly opened

Exterior-

• remove Cars from Driveway

• remove visible hoses

• hide trashcans in garage, on the street, or by the house mechanics

• clean up Patios, Porches, Landscaping and Walkways

• Remove grill covers

• consider a potted plant, wreath, or new welcome mat to accent your freshly painted front door

Living Room- 

• avoid catty- corner or diagonal large furniture placement (couch, bed, armoire). This limits big angles and forces smaller, straight-on shots

• fluff and arrange pillows and throws

• clear off shelving and surfaces except for decorative items

• remove kids toys

• paper and plastic items do not photograph well- hide magazines/newspapers/remotes

Dining Room- 

• clean and polish the table

• arrange the chairs

• choose a runner and/or centerpiece to accent

• hide high chairs and boosters

Office-

• Clear Desk except for decorative items

• remove or organize cables

• turn off monitor and make sure no identifying work related items are visible

• consider replacing a big computer chair with something more low profile

• hide trashcans

Kitchen-

• clear off all counters except for decorative items

• make sure decorative items on center islands are low profile as to not block sight lines (bowl of fruit vs a tall vase of flowers)

• remove items and magnets from the fridge

• hide soaps and paper towels

• Hide kitchen trash/recycling/compost bins

Bedrooms-

• I shoot for windows. For the biggest possible angle, try to avoid dressers, wardrobes, and large furniture near the doorframe in the secondary bedrooms

• avoid catty- cornered furniture placement

• remove all items from table/countertops except bedside lamps or decorative items

• hide phone chargers

• make sure nothing shows under the bed

• MAKE YOUR BED

Bathrooms-

• clear the bathroom of ALL personal items. If its touched your skin or bodily fluid- Hide it. 

• Such as: toothbrushes, hair brushes, toilet brushes, TP, tissues, shampoos, soap, shower caddies, loofahs, bathmats, robes,  potty squatties, laundry baskets, EVERYTHING. (I won’t move your personal items, so be sure to do this)

• close toilet lids

• hide medications and personal items

• secure jewelry and other valuables

*Pets- You and I love your pets, but potential Buyers may not. Hide bowls, food/treats, cages, pet beds, cat trees, litter boxes, leashes, pee pads and pick up poop in the yard. Hide pet damage on furniture with throws. 

**Unless requested, I don’t shoot inside attached garages , pantries, or secondary closets- Hide everything there!!