Staging Guide

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR MARKET ERA Landmark’s Guide to Making the Best First Impression

WHY PREPARATION

MATTERS Selling a home is different than living in one.

The way buyers shop for homes has changed dramatically over the last decade. Before they ever step through the front door, most buyers will first experience your property online through professional photography, video, social media, and listing websites.

In many cases, buyers have already formed an opinion about a home before scheduling a showing.

That first impression matters.

Preparing your home for market isn’t about creating a perfectly staged, magazine-worthy space. It’s about Helping buyers focus on the features that make your property special. Clean, organized, and thoughtfully presented homes often photograph better, show better, and leave a stronger impression on buyers.

In Southwest Montana, buyers are often looking beyond the home itself. They are imagining morning coffee with mountain views, evenings around a fire pit, space for outdoor gear, room for family and friends to gather, or simply a place that feels welcoming and well cared for. Proper preparation helps showcase that lifestyle.

The goal is simple: create a space where buyers can easily picture themselves living, gathering, relaxing, and making memories. When buyers emotionally connect with a property, they are more likely to schedule a showing, make an offer, and ultimately see greater value in the home.

Together, we’ll create a plan that helps your home make the best possible first impression and stand out in today’s market.

OUR SELLER

CHECKLIST CLEAN • • • •

Deep clean kitchens and bathrooms Wash windows inside and out Eliminate pet odors Dust light fixtures, fans, and baseboards

REPAIR • • • •

Replace burnt-out bulbs Touch up paint Fix dripping faucets Address small maintenance items

DECLUTTER • • • •

Clear countertops Simplify shelves and decor Remove excess furniture Organize closets and storage areas

DEPERSONALIZE • • • •

Remove family photos Remove highly personal collections Simplify children’s rooms Reduce refrigerator clutter

SELLING IN

MONTANA In Southwest Montana, buyers are often drawn as much to the lifestyle a property offers as they are to the home itself.

Expansive views, welcoming outdoor spaces, room for recreation, and thoughtfully designed functional areas all contribute to a property’s appeal. From patios and fire pits to shops, barns, and storage for outdoor gear, these features help tell the story of everyday life in Montana and allow buyers to envision themselves enjoying everything the property has to offer.

SPRING & SUMMER • • • •

Fresh mulch Mowed lawns Outdoor furniture staged Outdoor flower pots

FALL & WINTER • • • • •

Remove leaves Highlight fireplaces Clear snow and ice Maintain exterior lighting Create a warm, welcoming interior

BUYERS DECIDE QUICKLY Most buyers will discover your home online before they ever step through the front door. A clean, bright, and thoughtfully prepared home creates a stronger first impression, photographs beautifully, and helps buyers focus on the property’s best features. Often, small improvements can make a significant impact without the need for major renovations.

SHOWCASE

THE LIFESTYLE

Buyers here often connect with the lifestyle features just as much as the home itself.

AREAS THAT BUYERS

NOTICE

While every property is unique, there are a handful of spaces that consistently have the biggest impact on buyers. Focusing your efforts here can make a significant difference in how your home is perceived both online and in person.

KITCHEN

BEDROOMS

Often the first space buyers evaluate.

Should feel comfortable, calm and spacious.

• • • • •

• • • • •

Clear countertops of small appliances and clutter Clean and polish appliances, sinks, and fixtures Organize pantry shelves and cabinets Remove magnets, notes, and photos from the refrigerator Add a simple centerpiece such as fresh flowers or greenery

Fresh bedding and neatly made beds Clear nightstands and dressers Minimize personal items Organize closets and remove seasonal clothing Ensure lighting feels warm and inviting

SPACES

BATHROOMS

Buyers are looking for spaces where they can gather and relax.

Cleanliness matters more than decor.

• • • • •

• • • • •

Highlight fireplaces, built-ins, and views Remove excess furniture to create a sense of space Simplify bookshelves and decor Open window coverings to maximize natural light Create clear pathways through the room

Sparkling mirrors, glass, and fixtures Fresh white or neutral towels Clear countertops Remove personal care products Re-caulk or touch up areas showing wear

Photo by Listivo

YOUR VIEWS

OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES

Highlight the Montana scenery buyers are looking for

Here, these matter just as much as indoor areas.

• • • •

• • • • •

Cleaning windows inside and out Removing furniture that blocks views Trimming vegetation where appropriate Opening blinds and curtains for photography and showings

Landscaping and flower beds Clean & staged fire pits and gathering areas Clear views and sightlines Fresh doormats and planters Swept walkways and porches

GARAGES & GEAR STORAGE

BARNS & OUTBUILDINGS

Buyers pay close attention to storage & functionality.

For rural properties, these are major selling features.

• • • • •

• • • • •

Organized shelves and storage systems Clean garage floors Clear pathways throughout storage areas Removal of excess tools and equipment Demonstrating space for vehicles, recreational gear, and seasonal storage

Mowing around structures and access roads Organizing equipment and storage areas Removing unused materials and debris Ensuring barns, shops, and sheds are clean and accessible Clearly showcasing functionality and usable space

MAKING A GREAT

FIRST IMPRESSION How your home shows online determines everything in this market.

ON PHOTOGRAPHY DAY •

Turn on all lights and replace any burnt-out bulbs

•

Open blinds and curtains to maximize natural light

•

Remove vehicles and recreational equipment from the driveway

•

Hide trash and recycling containers

•

Clear kitchen and bathroom countertops

•

Remove pet bowls, crates, toys, and litter boxes

•

Make beds and neatly arrange pillows and linens

•

Clean fingerprints from stainless steel appliances, mirrors, and glass

•

Tuck away cords, chargers, and small electronics

•

Remove magnets, notes, and photos from the refrigerator

•

Sweep porches, patios, and walkways

•

Organize garages, shops, barns, and storage areas

•

Arrange outdoor furniture to showcase outdoor living spaces

•

Put away personal toiletries and everyday clutter

•

Turn off televisions, computer monitors, and ceiling fans

ON SHOWING DAYS •

Make beds and straighten linens

•

Clear kitchen and bathroom counters

Empty trash and recycling

• • •

Secure pets and remove pet bowls, crates, and litter boxes when possible

Open blinds and curtains to maximize natural light

•

Turn on lamps and overhead lights in darker rooms

•

Store away laundry baskets, cleaning supplies, and everyday clutter

•

Wipe down sinks, faucets, and mirrors

•

Remove or secure any valuables and medications

•

Ensure buyers can easily access garages, shops, and outdoor spaces

•

Leave the home during showings whenever possible

•

Home should smell clean, not scented.

Fresh air and cleanliness make a great first impression

Photo by Listivo

MAKE IT

MEMORABLE

OFFICES IN BOZEMAN, BIG SKY, LIVINGSTON & ENNIS

ERALANDMARK.COM | OVER 50 YEARS IN SOUTHWEST MONTANA | 406.586.1321