One of the most important elements of staging is the timeline. Why is this important? Movers do not always know what all needs to be done to get the house listed and in what order. It is easy to get overwhelmed, so I always provide a customized outline of key dates in coordination with the listing agent. Here are the most important dates sellers need to know.
Finalize Decluttering and Packing – This deadline is the most important because it is usually the most procrastinated and stressful. If I am not doing this work for the client, I’ll call and check in frequently on progress.
Updates and Repairs – I had a client who scheduled a flooring installation before we started working together. It was one of the most cluttered homes I’ve worked in. Thankfully I was able to work quickly. Following it we painted, completed other updates and repairs, and then staged it. Needless to say the timing of projects is important.
Carpet and House Cleaning – The best schedule for cleaning is following all updates and before the staging. I recommend the following schedule to my clients: Weekend carpets, Monday house, Tuesday staging. Good to have pets and homeowner out of the home as well if possible.
Staging – If the clients are living in the home during the process, I recommend staging the day before photos. Also let the sellers know they may want to stay elsewhere during staging and through first weekend of listing. Give them advance notice so they can prepare and not procrastinate packing, etc.
Other Stuff – I’ve found it to be important to let the client’s know when the lock box will be placed (and explain why it is used). Landscape right before photos. Explain the photography details such as length of time and that photographers prefer that the homeowners are not present.
Once the timeline is created, I print a copy and hang it on the homeowners refrigerator so they have a visual reminder that they’ve got to get things done so they can list the home ontime!
