It can feel a tad overwhelming preparing a home to list, there’s packing, cleaning and a thousand other little things to worry about. But the truth is that a few simple steps can be the difference between how quickly the home sells (and for how much). As professional home stagers, we’ve seen it all: homes that just need a little tweak to the extremes of properties that need a full overhaul. But today we have good news: you don’t have to do it all at once. In today’s post, we are sharing our 5-step to-do list for homeowners and realtors to get your property sparkling by the time it hits the market.

Start with a Declutter and a Deep Breath

Treat this as the “pre-move” phase. Too much furniture or too many personal items can cause rooms to appear small (and distract buyers from the home’s best aspects). So one of the first things that you will want to do is store the things that you don’t use on a regular basis and keep them organized out of sight. Once you have finished that first step, you can breathe a sigh of relief. The clear, calm energy that you have now created in the home will shine through in your photos and viewings.

Clean As If You’re Having Guests Over

There’s just something about a clean house that feels instantly more welcoming. Clean baseboards, scrub those kitchen appliances, and get windows sparkling. You want it all to look and smell new.

Pro Tip: Add a light, fresh fragrance-lemon or linen, perhaps-but go easy. You definitely don’t want your fragrance to be overpowering or perfumy. You want your guests to say, “This feels like home.”

Showcase Key Areas of The Home

If budget or time is tight, concentrate on the areas that truly sell the house:

Living Room: Open it up and invite light in! A plush throw, balanced lighting, and comfortable seating make the difference.

Kitchen: Make it shine with clean counters and only one or two accents (try: a cookbook or bowl of fresh fruit).

Primary Bedroom: Strive for peace and comfort. Neutral bedding, soft pillows, and warm light make this room irresistible.

These spaces attract the most attention and are where emotional bonds for the home start.

A Little Freshness Goes a Long Way

You don’t have to redecorate the entire home; focusing on a few strategic swaps can go a lot further than you think. You’ll want to replace old decorations with timeless touches, like plants, textured throw pillows, or earthy neutral artwork. Let in as much light as possible by opening curtains and letting the home shine naturally.

Tip: Leave lamps on during showings, even in the daytime. It adds that cozy feeling and makes every room feel more inviting.

The Power of a First Impression

Buyers will begin to make decisions before they even enter. Stop for a moment, step outside, and view your entrance hall for the first time. Could it use a fresh coat of paint? A new welcome mat, maybe, or a vase of cheerful seasonal flowers? Pay attention to those things that come to mind as you go about setting the final touches. Your home doesn’t have to be overwhelming while preparing it to be listed. Some skillful steps, an understanding of basic design, and just a dash of style go a long way toward getting your home to look lovely and livable.

Our team at Front Door Design and Decor would be happy to worry about the staging aspect of preparing your next listing in Hampton Roads. Call to speak with our team and let us get your house ready to make the best first impression possible!