Short answerFull staging is optional. What matters most is a clean, bright, uncluttered house with small repairs done and good photos. Empty houses and dated rooms can benefit from a few staged rooms. For showings, make the home easy to see, leave during the visit, and secure valuables and medications.
What helps most, by cost
| Task | Cost | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Deep clean and declutter | Low | Photos and first impressions |
| Light bulbs, open blinds | Low | Bright rooms photograph larger |
| Small repairs: drips, loose rails, missing covers | Low | Fewer inspection items |
| Fresh neutral paint in key rooms | Moderate | Hides wear, photographs well |
| Partial staging of an empty home | Moderate | Shows scale and use of rooms |
During showings
- Leave during showings so buyers can talk freely.
- Lock up valuables, medications, and personal papers.
- Keep pets secured or out of the house.
- Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature.
Open houses
An open house can bring neighbors and early stage buyers. Most buyers still see homes by appointment, so open houses are optional.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to leave during showings?
It is not required, but buyers are more comfortable and stay longer when sellers are out.
Are open houses worth it?
Sometimes, especially early in a listing or for homes priced for first time buyers.
Keep reading
Want to know what a buyer's inspector may find before they do?
Book a free pre listing condition walk. I walk the house with you, point out what inspectors and FHA, VA, and USDA appraisers tend to flag, and give you planning ranges so you can decide what to fix, credit, price in, or disclose.
Book a condition walkOr call or text (812) 525-5489, or email john@yourpropertynegotiator.com.
The condition walk is a REALTOR® and contractor evaluation, not a home inspection, and it does not replace one. If you have already signed a listing agreement with another agent, please take these questions to your agent.
Written by John Long, REALTOR®, 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate. Working contractor who has priced hundreds of home inspection repair requests. Former labor relations negotiator for a major manufacturer and U.S. Coast Guard veteran.
John Long, REALTOR® · 1 Percent Lists Indiana Real Estate · (812) 525-5489 · yourpropertynegotiator.com
This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional home inspection, and not legal, tax, insurance, or lending advice. Ask a real estate attorney about contracts and disclosure, a CPA about taxes, your lender about loan rules, and a licensed inspector or tradesperson about your house. Nothing here guarantees a sale price, net proceeds, repair cost, payment, timeline, appraisal, inspection result, or loan approval. Cost figures are planning estimates, not bids. I own Wardmark Property Operations LLC, a contracting company. You are always free to use any contractor you choose.