Staging Checklist
The Basics
- Organize and declutter every room. Keep decorations to a minimum.
- Empty the garage, attic & closets as much as possible to maximize the appearance of storage space.
- Clean everything. Consider hiring a professional service to conduct a deep clean of the entire home.
- Remove personal items and memorabilia, including family photos, trophies and collectables.
- Replace dead light bulbs.
- Open draperies and blinds to increase natural light.
- Ensure all doors, cabinets & windows open and close properly.
Living Areas
- Remove unnecessary furniture to create as much walkable area as possible.
- Use lamps to increase brightness.
- Thoroughly clean the fireplace and replace old screens.
- Use coordinated accessories to create coherence.
The Kitchen
- Clear countertops except for a few thoughtful, decorative items.
- Empty cabinets and drawers and remove dishes, flatware and cookware that don't match.
- Clean all appliances, including the inside of the oven, microwave and refrigerator.
- Clean and organize the pantry to maximize space.
- Empty trash cans and move them out of sight.
- Remove coupons, magnets and photographs from the refrigerator.
Bathrooms
- Scrub every surface, including hard-to-reach areas behind the sink and toilet.
- Remove personal products like medicine & hygiene supplies.
- Replace old shower curtains and bath mats.
- Use vinegar to remove hard water stains and clean shower heads.
- Use neutral-colored towels and washcloths.
- Check the condition of caulk and grout and repair as needed.
- Deodorize with baking soda and avoid overpowering chemicals like bleach.
Bedrooms
- Remove clothing and coat hangers from closets to maximize space.
- Store jewelry and other valuables in a safe location.
- Depersonalize by removing unneeded decorations.
- Remove video game consoles and standing electronics, especially those with exposed cords.
- Replace floral prints and other feminine or masculine items with gender-neutral alternatives.
Walls, Windows & Doors
- Remove personal items like family portraits.
- Patch any holes and consider a fresh coat of paint where needed.
- Replace missing or damaged outlet covers.
- Wash windows, inside and out.
- Repair or replace damaged screens.
- Consider repainting bold and gender-specific colors with bright, neutral alternatives.
Exterior
- Power-wash the home exterior, driveway, and porch areas.
- Clean the mailbox or replace it if necessary.
- Weed beds and trim back trees and shrubs. Consider fresh mulch.
- Store lawn equipment and children’s toys out of site.
- Replace any bulbs around the exterior of the home.
Pets
- Remove pet hair from furniture and all surfaces.
- Consider special cleaning products to remove pet stains.
- Remove beds, toys, food bowls and other per items.
- Be sure pets are not present for showings.
Pro-Tips
- Consider a fresh coat of paint on older cabinets.
- Use high-adhesion primer and an epoxy based paint to freshen up dated tile.
- Open windows and use candles to create an inviting aroma.
- Use mirrors to increase the appearance of space and brighten dark areas.
- Avoid cooking odorous foods on showing days.
Get fronted for the cost of home improvement services with zero due until closing.*
Compass Concierge is the hassle-free way to sell your home faster and for a higher price with services like staging, flooring, painting, and more.
Smart
Your Compass agent can help you determine which services can deliver the greatest return on your investment.
Fast
The entire process is designed for speed, so that work can begin — and your home can sell — as quickly as possible.
Transparent
Zero due until closing.*
Easy
Your Compass agent will be by your side throughout the process.
Curious how Compass Concierge can transform your sale?
See what a difference this program makes for yourself right here.
Covered Services
- Floor repair
- Carpet cleaning & replacement
- Staging
- Deep-cleaning
- Decluttering
- Cosmetic renovations
- Landscaping
- Interior & exterior painting
- HVAC
- Roofing repair
- Moving & storage
- Pest control
- Custom closet work
- Fencing
- Electrical work
- Seller-side inspections & evaluations
- Kitchen improvements
- Bathroom improvements
- Pool & tennis court services
- Water heating & plumbing repair
- Sewer lateral inspections & remediation
- More than 100 other home improvement services
54%
The percentage of homebuyers willing to pay more for hardwood floors
$400
The potential return of every $100 you invest in staging your home
53%
The percentage of sellers' agents who say staging decreases a property's time on market
How it works
Decide which services can increase your home’s value the most and set an estimated budget for the work.
When you’re ready to start, your Compass agent will be by your side as you engage contractors and vendors.
Once the transformation is complete, your home will go on the market.
You’ll pay for the services and any applicable fees* when one of the following happens – your home sells, you terminate your listing agreement with Compass, or 12 months pass from your Concierge start date. Subject to program terms that may vary by market.
Your questions, answered
Are there any services not covered by the program?
We’ve developed Concierge to be used with a wide range of vendors for your convenience.
When do I have to pay for the services?
Zero due until close. Depending on your state of residence, fees or interest may apply.
How can I participate in the program?
Easy! Contact us today to find out how to participate.

