Experience shows that taking time to prepare your home increases desirability, provides a marketing “edge” and results in shorter market time while assuring the highest return.

Before Buyers Come to Your Home

• Turn on all inside lights, even during the day.
• At night, turn on outside lights.
• Turn on soft music
• Keep the heat at about 68 degrees.
• Keep pets in a separate area; change litter boxes daily.
• Put money prescription drugs and other valuables away and out of sight.
• Keep draperies and shades open.
• Open all doors inside the home, except closets.

Please see the Staging Checklist for additional room by room tips.

When an Agent Shows Your Home

• A buyer will likely spend more time previewing your home if you are not in the home.
• If you can’t leave the home, group children around the television with the volume on low, or have them play in a specially designated area.
• Don’t precede or follow the buyer through your home.
• Let the real estate agent show and sell your home—they know what their buyer client is looking for.