Preparing a luxury condominium for sale is not about perfection—it’s about positioning. Buyers in the luxury market are highly discerning, emotionally driven, and comparison-oriented. The goal is to present your home as effortless, elevated, and move-in ready, so it stands apart from competing properties and justifies its price.
Use this checklist as a guide before photography and showings.
☐ View the residence through a buyer’s lens
☐ Focus on lifestyle, light, flow, and ease
☐ Be open to recommendations that enhance market appeal
Luxury buyers are not buying your history. They are buying their future.
☐ Remove family photos, personal collections, and memorabilia
☐ Store children’s artwork, awards, diplomas, and certificates
☐ Remove political, religious, or highly personal items
☐ Minimize visible books to a few curated design or lifestyle selections
☐ Replace personalized bedding and linens with neutral, hotel-quality options
A neutral environment allows buyers to emotionally connect with the space.
☐ Clear 50–70% of closet contents
☐ Reduce kitchen cabinets and drawers to essentials only
☐ Remove small appliances and excess items from countertops
☐ Edit décor to a few intentional, sculptural pieces
☐ Clear entryways and hall surfaces entirely
☐ Organize garages and storage areas to feel spacious and orderly
Less visual noise creates a stronger sense of scale and luxury.
☐ Schedule a professional deep clean (not routine housekeeping)
☐ Clean windows inside and out
☐ Detail baseboards, doors, vents, and switch plates
☐ Wipe down inside cabinets, drawers, and closets
☐ Deep clean appliances, including ovens and refrigerators
☐ Clean and stage fireplaces appropriately
Buyers notice details even when they don’t consciously realize it.
☐ Touch up paint on walls, trim, and doors
☐ Repair nail holes, scuffs, and minor drywall imperfections
☐ Replace all burned-out or mismatched light bulbs
☐ Fix loose handles, cabinet hardware, and sticky doors
☐ Address dripping faucets or running toilets
☐ Ensure window coverings operate smoothly
A well-maintained home signals pride of ownership and value.
☐ Professionally stage or thoughtfully restyle the home
☐ Adjust furniture scale to enhance room proportions
☐ Define functional spaces clearly (living, dining, workspace)
☐ Layer textures using neutral, elevated materials
☐ Style outdoor spaces as extensions of the living area
Staging is a strategic investment not a cosmetic one.
☐ Neutralize pet, food, or smoke odors
☐ Avoid heavy fragrances or scented candles
☐ Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature
☐ Ensure HVAC systems and appliances operate quietly
Calm, comfort, and quiet communicate quality.
☐ Add fresh greenery or minimal florals
☐ Make beds crisp and tailored
☐ Fold towels in a clean, hotel-style presentation
☐ Remove trash, recycling, and personal items
☐ Turn on all lights and position window coverings intentionally
☐ Remove vehicles from visible garages or drive areas
Photography captures first impressions and first impressions drive value.
☐ Keep surfaces clear and beds made daily
☐ Secure valuables discreetly
☐ Keep closets and cabinets organized
☐ Plan for easy departure during showings
☐ Maintain staged condition until the property is under contract
Consistency is key once the home is live on the market.
In the luxury market, presentation directly impacts pricing power, time on market, and negotiating leverage. Homes that are thoughtfully prepared attract more serious buyers, stronger offers, and smoother transactions.
This checklist is part of my commitment to guiding you through a strategic, well-executed sale from start to finish.
I’m Shayla Hope, a luxury real estate advisor specializing in Lake Tahoe, with a focus on Incline Village and the Nevada East Shore.
If you’d like a personalized market overview or guidance on preparing your home for a future sale, I’m always happy to help.
Contact me directly:
📞 775-434-4892
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.tahoehomesandestates.com