The first visit to a home is where a project is won or lost. Not because of your design ideas, but because of the information you leave with. If you forget to measure a room or to ask when the photos are, you'll be guessing when you quote.
Here's what I check every time.
Before you go
- Look at the current listing photos, if there are any.
- Ask for the floor plan or the size of the home.
- Ask the realtor who the likely buyer is (young couple, family, investor, downsizers).
- Bring a tape measure, your phone fully charged and a notebook or checklist.
Questions to ask the owner or realtor
- Will the owners still be living in the home? This decides whether it's a vacant or occupied job.
- When are the listing photos? Your deadline starts here.
- Which rooms matter most? Usually the living room, the kitchen and the main bedroom.
- What's the budget? Ask it plainly. It saves everyone time.
- Is there anything the owners want to keep in place?
- Who's in charge of small repairs, painting and deep cleaning?
Room by room: what to look at
Entrance
First impression. Clutter, shoes, coats, lighting, a mirror, the front door itself.
Living room
Furniture layout, how many pieces are too many, natural light, curtains, and where the photographer will shoot from.
Kitchen
Countertops (they should be almost empty), cabinet condition, lighting, small appliances to put away.
Bedrooms
Bed size compared to the room, bedding, nightstands and lamps, and any room being used as storage.
Bathrooms
Clean, bright and personal items out of sight. Fresh towels make a huge difference.
Outside
Balcony, terrace or yard. A small table and two chairs can sell a lifestyle.
Measurements and photos
- Measure every room you'll stage, plus doors, windows and stairs.
- Take your "before" photos now, from the angles you'll use for the "after."
- Note wall colors, floor colors and the existing furniture you can reuse.
Logistics (the part people forget)
- Is there parking for a truck? How far is it from the door?
- Stairs or elevator? Elevator size?
- Who has the keys and when can you get in?
- Any building rules about moving days or hours?
These details go straight into your quote. Stairs with no elevator mean more time and more helpers.
Leave the meeting with a date. Tell the client when they'll get your proposal (I like 24 to 48 hours). Then keep that promise. It's the first proof that you're reliable.
After the walkthrough
Turn your notes into a clear proposal: what you'll do in each room, the price, the dates and what's included. If you need help with the numbers, read how much to charge for home staging.
The complete walkthrough checklist I use, ready to print, is included in my home staging course, together with the quote template that does the math for you.