Selling your home can be a very exciting process. Seeing your home online and receiving all of the showing requests really makes you feel good, especially when the photos/videos/etc are professionally done. However, preparing your home for showings (and marketing) can be a daunting task.

Have no fear though! I am going to help you keep track of what needs to be done and what to expect. Here’s a checklist to stay on top of everything.

1. De-clutter

Pick-up all the clutter. This seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how people’s clutter can become invisible to them. So go room-by-room and check all floors, table/desk tops and furniture. People need to be able to comfortably walk around your space.

2. Clean

If you don’t want to hire a cleaning crew to come through and do a deep, thorough cleaning, you can always take the time and just do it yourself. Do not skip this step! Vacuumed floors, squeaky clean countertops and mirrors, shiny appliances and sanitized bathrooms make a huge impression. If you decide to do nothing else on this list, that will probably be fine if you complete these first two steps.

3. Stage

This is much more simple than it might seem. If you have that interior designer touch, then have at it! For those of us that don’t, follow this simple rule. Define each room’s purpose and remove everything that doesn’t belong. If you have a bedroom that is being used as crafts room, I suggest clearing it all out and stage it as a bedroom. People want to see each room and how they will use it.

4. Landscaping

This is what we call curb appeal. Mow the lawn, add mulch to the flower beds, trim the bushes, etc. While you’re out there take care of any exterior repairs that might be needed. You want people to fall in love with the house as soon as they pull up. That first impression based on curb appeal is half the battle. I suggest actually getting in your car and driving up to your home and assess your curb appeal.

5. Lighting

Make sure all of the blinds are open and all of the lights work. Also make sure you have consistent light temperatures. That means the bulbs in a particular room are all of the same color. Pay attention to the color temperature usually labeled as daylight, soft white, etc.

Once you have taken care of all of the above, it is time to get your photos, videos and 3D tours done. Maintaining this level of cleaning and maintenance for showings will literally put you above every other showing out there.

Don’t forget to visit my YouTube Channel for more tips and information about buying or selling your next home.