We’ve found that most people already have everything they need to stage their home—they just aren’t sure how to bring it all together. With 22 years of architectural and interior design experience, Ali Crumb will transform your existing belongings into an artfully arranged, well-organized space. She will organize your items, hang artwork, and rearrange furniture to ensure your home shows at its absolute best.
All of this is included in the commission fee.
If additional furniture is needed, Ali will coordinate the entire process for you. Typically, the cost for rented furnishings begins at a minimum of $2,000, plus monthly fees for the duration of the rental.
75-POINT CHECKLIST FOR PHOTOGRAPHY
My goal is to present your home at its best. Your goal should be to present a clean, spacious, clutter-free home – the kind you’d like to buy! Photographs could possibly make or break the sale of your home, so I’ve created a checklist to help you prepare your home for photos:
- Mow lawn and trim shrubs
- Edge gardens and walkways
- Remove all cars from driveway
- Hide garbage cans inside garage
- Sweep walkways and driveways, remove branches, litter, and toys
- Add color and fill bare spots with plantings
- Remove mildew or moss from walls or walks with bleach and water
- Take stains off your driveway with cleaner or kitty litter
- Stack woodpile neatly
- Clean and repair patio and deck areas
- Remove any outdoor furniture that is not in good shape
- Make sure pool is sparkling clean
- Replace old storm doors
- Check for flat-fitting roof singles
- Repair broken windows/shutters, replace torn screens, make sure frames and seams have solid caulking
- Hose off exterior wood and trim, replace damaged bricks or wood
- Clean and remove rust from any window A/C units or store them away
- Paint the front door and mailbox
- Add a new front door mat and consider seasonal door decoration
- Shine brass hardware on front door, exterior lighting fixtures, etc.
- Make sure doorbell is in working order
General Interior Tips:
- Add a fresh coat of interior paint in light, neutral colors
- Shampoo carpeting, replace if necessary
- Clean and wax hardwood floors, refinish if necessary
- Clean and wash kitchen and bathroom floors
- Wash all windows, vacuum blinds, wash window sills
- Clean the fireplace
- Clean out and organize closets, add extra space by packing clothes and items you won’t need again until after you’ve moved
- Remove extra furniture, worn rugs, and items you don’t use: put away papers, toys, etc., especially from stairs
- Repair easy fixes, loose doorknobs, cracked molding, leaky taps and toilets, squeaky doors, closet or screen doors off their tracks, etc.
- Add dished potpourri or drop of vanilla or bath oil on light bulbs for scent
- Secure jewelry, cash, or other valuables
Kitchen:
- Make sure appliances are spotless inside and out (try baking soda for cleaning Formica stains)
- Make sure all appliances are in working order
- Clean often-forgotten spots on top of fridge and under sink
- Wash or sponge floors to brilliant shine, clean baseboards
- Organize items inside cabinets, pre-pack anything you won’t be using before your move
- Keep counters as clear and empty as possible
Living Room:
- Make it cozy and inviting, discard chipped or worn furniture and frayed or worn rugs
- Consider packing away personal photos
- Remove as much clutter as possible
Master Bedroom:
- Organize furniture to create a spacious look with well-defined sitting, sleeping, and dressing areas
- Organize and minimize clutter in closet
Bathrooms:
- Remove all rust and mildew
- Make sure tile, fixtures, shower doors, are immaculate and shining
- Stow all personal hygiene items
- Put out fresh towels and linens
Dining Room:
- Polish any visible silver or crystal
- Set the table for a formal dinner to help viewers imagine entertaining here
Basement:
- Sell, give away, or throw out all unnecessary items
- Organize and create more space by hanging tools an placing items on shelves
- Clean water heater and drain sediment
- Change furnace filter
- Make inspection access easy
- Clean and paint concrete floors and walls
- Provide strong overhead lighting
Attic:
- Tidy up by discarding or pre-packing
- Make sure exposed insulation is visible and in good condition
- Make sure air vent is in good working order
- Provide strong overhead lighting
When It’s Time to Show:
- Make sure all marketing materials are readily available in a convenient location, such as the kitchen
- Open all draperies and shades, turn on all the lights
- Keep the home at a comfortable temperature
- Pick up toys and other clutter, check to make sure beds are made and clothes are put away
- Give the carpets a quick vacuuming
- Avoid using the dishwasher, washer and dryer while your home is being shown
- Add some strategically placed fresh flowers throughout the home
- Store prescription drugs in a private place
- Open bathroom window for fresh air
- Pop a spicy dessert or just a pan of cinnamon in the oven for aroma. The smell of freshly-baked cookies is always appealing
- Grind fresh lemon in the garbage disposal or boil cinnamon sticks to add a fresh scent
- Turn off the TV and put on some light, non-offensive music at a low volume
- Make a fire in the fireplace
- Put pets in backyard or arrange for a friend to keep them
- Make sure pet areas are clean and 100% odor-free
