​We want your home to look great! Take a look around the home like never before and notice things that are out of place or cluttered. Personal items like family pictures, knick knacks, etc., should be packed away by now. LESS is BEST.

Day Of:

• Before the photographer arrives, please OPEN all blinds, turn ON all lights, and turn OFF all fans. 
• Secure pets.
• If you are home when I arrive, I will do a short walk through of the home with you and ask you what you think are the home’s best features- like huge yard, new appliances, large pantry, etc.
• If there is a closet you want highlighted, please make sure it is straightened and cleaned!

Exterior

• Please have cars out of the driveway and parked somewhere other than in the front of the house. 
• General yard work: trim overgrown plants, rake leaves, add fresh mulch, mow and edge. 
• General clean up: Arrange furniture, put away toys, sweep patio, deck and walkway, if needed. 
• Hide trash cans and roll up garden hoses
• Close Garage Doors
• Ensure that trash cans are out of sight
• Cars should not be parked in the driveway
• Switch on porch lights (but not flood lights), especially for twilight photography
• Blinds or curtains should be drawn/open
• Remove fallen tree limbs and branches from lawn and driveway
• Ensure that missing shutters are replaced

Interior

• Make sure toys are put away and out of sight.
• Put away shoes, especially in the entry area.
• Clean any French doors or glass front and back doors.
• Clean windows that are streaked or dirty.
• If you have a pet, make sure the dishes, litter box and crate are hidden if possible.
• Replace burned out light bulbs.
• Hide paper stacks, bills, mail, or magazines.
• Hide trash cans
• Open all blinds and drapes to let the light in
• Stow away personal items such as iPads, books, magazines, toys, etc.
• Remove items such as dog/pet beds
• Switch off ceiling fans and ceiling fan light
• Hide the power cords for any electrical items
• Replace all burnt-out light bulbs in all light fixtures

Kitchen

• LESS IS BEST: Remove items from counters - dish towels, food, dishes, small appliances, etc.
• Put away dishes.
• Make sure table is cleared and push in chairs around table
• Remove the trash can from view
• Remove all loose items from counter tops
• Remove everything from the refrigerator door
• Set or place a centerpiece on the kitchen table
• Make sure that the sink is clean and free of any dishes, sponges, etc.
• Switch on stove light

Bedrooms

• Put away laundry, toys, and straighten desks
• Make sure the beds are neatly made
• Items under the bed should be out of view
• Laundry baskets should not be visible
• Remove all personal items from view, especially on the dresser and nightstand
• Light the fireplace

Bathrooms

• Clean
• Remove personal items such as soaps, toothbrushes, brushes and combs, etc.
• Put toilet seats down.
• Hang towels neatly on pegs or towel bars, but not over the shower rod.
• Clean off the counters. Leave nothing except decorative items and a hand towel.
• Clean shower- no shampoo bottles, face cloths, etc.
• Remove trash cans
• Remove cleaning instruments​
• Remove all floor mats
• Ensure that towels are fresh and presented properly

Living Rooms

• Minimize the space (LESS IS BEST) by leaving only essential furniture
• Put away rugs to show off hardwood floors
• Straighten furniture and throw pillows.
• If there is a fireplace, light it
• Stow away television remote controls and personal items
• Place several books or magazines on the coffee table or end table
• Arrange pillows on the sofa and other seating areas

Dining Room  

• Set the table or place a centerpiece on the table
• If equipped, switch on the light in the china cabinet
• Straighten the chairs
• Open the curtains and let the light in
• Make it look as if you were having guests over for dinner
• A nicely decorated dining room is inviting

Yard, Deck, Porch, Etc.

• Arrange furniture, including cushions, pillows, etc.
• If there is an umbrella, open it
• Remove grill covers; hide propane tanks
• Blow away or rake leaves, cut the lawn, prune and trim shrubbery
• Stow away toys, etc.
• This space looks ready for entertaining friends and family!​

Laundry Room  

• Ensure that it is clear of all dirty laundry and laundry baskets
• Close all cabinets
• Remove all items from counter tops
• Clean the appliances to ensure they are free of fingerprints, soaps, etc.

Also: See Staging Tips That Sell
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