Seller Resources

Home Prep & Staging Checklist

A room-by-room checklist to work through before your first showing — the kind of prep that consistently helps homes show better, photograph better, and sell faster.

Check items off as you go — your progress is saved automatically on this device. Print the checklist if you’d rather work from paper.

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Declutter & Depersonalize

Buyers need to picture themselves living there — that starts with editing down what they see.

Clear kitchen and bathroom counters down to just a few decor pieces Pack away at least a third of what’s in every closet so they look spacious, not stuffed Remove family photos, personal collections, and strongly personal decor Clear out excess furniture so each room reads bigger and traffic flow is obvious Box up out-of-season clothing and store it off-site or in a rented unit if the closets still look tight Clear the refrigerator and cabinet fronts of magnets, notes, and clutter Tidy the garage, attic, and basement — buyers open these, and clutter reads as “not enough storage” Put away pet bowls, beds, litter boxes, and toys before every showing

Deep Clean

A spotless home signals a well-maintained one — it’s one of the highest-ROI things you can do before listing.

Deep clean carpets and rugs, or have them professionally cleaned Wash windows inside and out, including screens and sills Clean grout, caulking, and fixtures in every bathroom Wipe down baseboards, light switches, door handles, and ceiling fans Clean inside the oven, refrigerator, and range hood Address any lingering odors — smoke, pet, cooking — before assuming candles will cover it Wash or replace stained or dated shower curtains and bath mats

Repairs & Maintenance

Small, visible fixes reassure buyers there aren’t bigger problems hiding behind the walls.

Patch nail holes and touch up or repaint scuffed walls in neutral tones Fix leaky faucets, running toilets, and slow drains Replace burnt-out lightbulbs with consistent, warm-white bulbs throughout Fix squeaky doors, loose cabinet hardware, and sticking drawers Replace cracked outlet covers and switch plates Service the HVAC system and replace the filter Repair or disclose any visible roof, ceiling, or foundation issues before a buyer’s inspector finds them first Consider a pre-listing inspection to catch anything a buyer’s inspector would flag — see the Pre-Listing Inspection guide below

Curb Appeal

The first impression happens before a buyer ever steps inside — and it’s one of the best-ROI categories there is.

Mow, edge, and refresh mulch or pine straw in the beds Trim overgrown shrubs and tree limbs away from the house and windows Power wash the driveway, walkway, siding, and porch Paint or clean the front door, and update the house numbers and mailbox if dated Clean or replace the porch light fixture and add a fresh doormat Clean gutters and check that downspouts drain away from the foundation Add potted plants or fresh seasonal color near the entry

Staging & Photography Prep

This is what actually shows up in your listing photos and the first showing — make it count.

Open all blinds and curtains to maximize natural light for photos Set the table and stage key rooms (living room, primary bedroom, kitchen) with simple, neutral styling Remove all vehicles from the driveway and street in front of the house before photos Hide trash cans, hoses, and yard tools before photos and showings Make all beds and put out fresh, matching towels in bathrooms Turn on all lights and lamps before every showing, even during the day Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature before showings Talk to Chuma about whether professional staging makes sense for this listing

Documents to Gather

Having these ready early keeps the process moving once you’re under contract.

Most recent property tax bill Mortgage statement(s) showing your current payoff balance Survey, if you have one on file HOA documents and contact information, if applicable Warranty information for major systems, appliances, or recent work (roof, HVAC, water heater) Permits or receipts for any major renovations or additions Utility provider contact information to share with your buyer at closing

Ready to talk timing?

Once you’ve worked through your prep list, let’s talk pricing strategy and get your home on the market.

Complete My Seller Questionnaire

This checklist is general guidance and won’t apply equally to every home. Chuma will walk your property with you and tell you exactly what’s worth doing (and what isn’t) before you list.