Starting to prep your house for sale can feel overwhelming, and it often turns out to be more work than expected. Good news — here are some proven techniques and a professional house staging checklist from veteran listing agent Jason D. White to prep a house for sale by making the job easier, faster, and less expensive.
Before you prep a house for sale, gather everything you need: broom/vacuum, boxes, storage bins, garbage bags, and painting supplies. To increase the efficiency of your time and efforts, think about the supplies you'll need and make a list before shopping.
Pro Tip: Consider buying a small floor dolly ($20-$30) from Home Depot or Harbor Freight. The moving pros use these for a good reason. The rolling dolly saves your back and makes moving heavy boxes and furniture much easier without scratching the floors.
Plan how you're going to dispose of trash and unwanted stuff. Nonprofits such as the Salvation Army will pick up donations at no cost. More oversized throw-away items can be picked up for free by the city during the curbside bulk collection days. Alternatively, you can rent a garbage dumpster for a few hundred dollars. The "free stuff" section of Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace may also be a good resource for rehoming items without sending them to the landfill.
When you start, focus on packing and staging one room at a time. Professional organizers suggest collecting and grouping similar things to inventory what you have visually. For example, scissors. Who needs five pairs? — keep the best and rehome the rest.
Next step: pack, trash, recycle, donate, or sell.
Professional House Prep and Staging Checklist
It's time to prep your house for sale. Before your house goes on the market, ensure all rooms are decluttered, staged, clean, and photo-ready. (Insight - most garages are not photographed unless they are finished out with epoxy-painted floors and custom cabinetry)
All Areas
- Thoroughly clean the interior, including fans, countertops, baseboards, and windows.
- Replace all burned-out light bulbs with bulbs of the same color and temperature. Ensure uniformity in light colors (e.g., soft white or warm white). Swap compact fluorescent bulbs (CFL) for incandescent or LED bulbs.
- Remove or hide dangling cords and cables.
- Open blinds/window treatments to let in outside light.
- Pack personal photographs (replace with general art/photographs).
- Store small floor rugs (less than 6ft) to reveal actual flooring.
- Organize closets and pack as much as possible.
- Paint is inexpensive - touch up walls or repaint.
Outside
Kitchen
- Clear countertops entirely, except for a few select kitchen tools.
- Leave out only one small appliance (e.g., coffee maker).
- Remove magnets, papers, and photos from the refrigerator.
- Move garbage cans to the pantry or garage.
- Ensure the sink is clean and free of sponges.
Dining Room Table
- Clear off the table, dust, and polish.
- Use a decorative place setting if available.
- Feature one centerpiece, such as a flower bouquet.
- Straighten all chairs and space them evenly.
- Tuck away child seats/booster chairs.
Living Room
- Recycle or hide stacks of magazines, papers, and mail.
- Declutter the fireplace mantel (a maximum of five decorations, including art).
- Clean the interior of the fireplace and repaint if needed.
- Fluff and straighten furniture pillows.
- Put up pet or children's toys.
Bedrooms
- Make the bed and include decorative pillows/shams if available.
- Clear the top of the nightstands of all personal items.
- Hide phone/tablet charging cables and dangling cords.
- Remove all clutter from the tops of dressers.
- Pack personal photos.
Bathrooms
- Deep clean showers and tubs. (Tip: CLR removes hard water stains from glass)
- Clear off countertops.
- Put toilet seats down.
- Remove toiletries from showers and tubs.
- Leave out only unused towels.
- Hide floor mats.
Pet Pickup
- Place food and water bowls in a pantry or closet.
- Store pet beds/toys in a pantry or closet.
- Use a lint roller or rubber glove on furniture to remove pet hair.
- Pick up pet waste and toys.
Photography Day
For the best photos possible, do these things at the start of your photography appointment:
1. Make sure furry friends are secured in the garage, or take them for a car ride.
2. Open window blinds (tilt down at a 45 degree angle)
3. Turn all lights ON and all fans and screens OFF.
4. Pull vehicles out of the driveway and park at least two houses down.
5. Move trash and recycling cans inside the garage.
Conclusion
Preparing your house for sale might seem daunting, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes a difference. On average, it takes homeowners 1-3 weeks to prep their house for sale, so stay focused on the checklist above. If you are running short on time or energy, consider getting help. Many professional services in the Austin area can assist with staging, cleaning, painting, junk removal, repairs, and more.
With these staging tips and the checklist, you can showcase your house in its best light for the photography session and attract the most potential buyers when the listing goes on the MLS. Your efforts will positively impact how potential buyers feel.
Remember, the goal is to create a welcoming, neutral space that allows buyers to envision themselves living there.
Take advantage of this guide, check off each item on the staging checklist, and consider seeking professional assistance. With a little effort and attention to detail, your house will be ready to make a lasting impression on home buyers, increasing its appeal and potential to sell quickly and for top dollar.
When you are ready to list your house in Texas for sale on the MLS, consider reviewing Jason D. White's flat fee listing service. On average, he saves Austin area homeowners $9,000 in real estate broker commission fees. With over 20 years of experience and raving five-star reviews, you certainly are in good hands.
You've got this!
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