First Impression is Everything
Selling your home isn’t just about price and marketing—it’s about creating the right emotional connection for buyers. They need to envision themselves living in THEIR future home, not just walking through YOUR home. The goal is to make your home feel inviting, neutral, and move-in ready, so buyers can instantly see themselves making it their own.
a few key reminders
For the best results, have this checklist completed before the photographer and videographer arrive. To ensure a smooth shoot, plan to vacate the home—including pets—or designate a single area where everyone can stay until the session is finished. This helps create a clean, distraction-free environment, allowing your home to shine in photos and video.
GENERAL TIPS FOR OPEN HOUSES, SHOWINGS AND PHOTOS
Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and walk through your home as if it’s your first time seeing it. What stands out? What feels cluttered or distracting? Buyers want a home that feels bright, clean, and well-maintained. The goal is to showcase your home at its absolute best, so every space feels inviting and move-in ready.
- Make every surface shine: vacuum, mop, and clean the windows.
- Turn ON all of the lights and lamps and replace any burnt out bulbs
- Ensure you are using bulbs of the same temperature
- Adjust blinds and shutters to let light in. Lift the blinds all the way up if there is a view.
- Turn OFF all ceiling fans
- Turn OFF all televisions and computer screens
- Eliminate any bad odors
- Depersonalize each room by removing personal decorations, photos, or memorabilia
- Organize your closets and shelves in every room
FRONT EXTERIOR
First impressions matter, and curb appeal sets the tone for the entire showing. A well-maintained exterior makes your home feel inviting and well-cared for, instantly attracting buyers before they even step inside. Simple touches like fresh landscaping, a clean entryway, and a welcoming front door can make all the difference.
- Powerwash your house, driveway, and sidewalk
- Improve your landscaping, mulch is an easy addition.
- Make any needed repairs
- Create an inviting front door with a fresh coat of paint and adding a new welcome mat
- Remove empty planters
- Remove visible water hoses
- No cars in the driveway (or directly in front of the house) at photo time.
LIVING ROOM
The living room is the heart of the home—a space for relaxing, entertaining, and making memories. Whether buyers picture cozy nights by the fire, watching TV, or hosting friends, your living room should feel inviting, spacious, and functional. A well-staged living area helps buyers instantly see themselves enjoying the space.
- Remove all personal items/remotes from table tops and open shelving - except for decorations
- Fluff and arrange pillows, chairs, blankets/throws
- Remove the kids or pets toys
- Remove any pet beds, scratch posts, or other accessories
- Get rid of any papers or magazines
- Clear tables and spaces of any extra items like remotes, glasses, or non-decorative items.
DINING ROOM
Even if you rarely use it, your dining space should feel inviting—a place where buyers can picture hosting a dinner party or gathering with family. A well-staged dining area adds warmth and elegance, making your home feel more welcoming and functional.
- Clear the table - clean and polish
- Feature one centerpiece - flowers or candles are a great option
- Make sure chairs are straight and evenly spaced.
- Remove or add chairs as needed
- Remove the child seats/boosters
KITCHEN
Kitchens sell homes. Whether a buyer is a seasoned chef or just loves the idea of a beautiful space to gather, the kitchen is often the deciding factor in a home purchase. A clean, bright, and well-staged kitchen can make a lasting impression and turn a showing into an offer.
- Remove ALL items from kitchen countertops / islands - except for decorative items
- Remove EVERYTHING from the outside of the refrigerator
- Remove the soap dispenser
- Put away dishtowels/sponges
- Put alway all dishes, drying racks
- Completly empty the sink
- Hide the trashcan and remove rugs
BEDROOMS
A bedroom should feel calm, relaxing, and inviting—a space where buyers can picture themselves unwinding at the end of the day. When it comes to staging, less is more. A clean, clutter-free room with soft colors and minimal décor creates a sense of tranquility that appeals to buyers.
- Remove ALL items from table/countertops - exceptions are lamps and decorative items
- Store phone/tablet chargers
- Make beds and straighten pillows
- Make sure nothing shows underneath the bed
- Hide trashcans and diaper genies
BATHROOMS
Buyers dream of a spa-like bathroom—a space that feels fresh, clean, and luxurious. What they don’t want is to feel like they’re walking into your bathroom. Clear the counters, remove personal items, and make sure everything is spotless. A bright, tidy bathroom helps buyers imagine it as their own private retreat.
- Remove ALL items from bathroom countertops. This includes plastic soap dispensers or soap dishes. Leave one ceramic or glass soap dispenser.
- Remove all your personal items, including toothbrushes, lotions, bottles
- Towels should be neat and hung straight. They should all be unused. Remove towels/bathrooms on hooks. Leave hooks empty.
- Put the toilet seats DOWN
- Remove bath rugs
- Empty the shower of everything, shampoos, soaps, shower caddies, razors, EVERYTHING
BACK YARD
A well-presented outdoor space can set your home apart from the competition. Many buyers see the backyard as an extension of their living space, whether for relaxing, entertaining, or spending time with family. A clean, well-maintained yard with inviting seating areas helps buyers picture themselves enjoying the space year-round.
- Powerwash the house, porch, and pool surround.
- Improve the landscaping, mulch is a great tool.
- Straighten tables, chairs, lounges - add fresh outdoor pillows and cushions
- Open up patio umbrellas
- Clear out all kid and pet toys
- Remove trash cans
- Remove visible water hoses
- Hide lawn equipment
- Remove the pool cleaner
- Hide pool cleaning supplies and brushes
- Clean the pet poop
PETS
You love your pets, but your buyers might not. Signs of pets—like fur, odors, or chew marks—can be distracting and even a turnoff for some buyers. Before showings and photos, make sure pet beds, toys, and food bowls are tucked away, and any odors are eliminated. A fresh, clean home appeals to every buyer.
- Steam clean furniture/carpet to remove odors
- Remove pet crates and carriers
- Hide pet dishes
- Hide litter boxes
- Clean up all pet waste in the backyard
- Repair any damaged doors, window sills, or trim
- Cover damage on furniture with throws or blankets. You don't want buyers looking for other damage.
- Take pets out of the house for the photo shoot.