Top 10 Staging Tips

Top 10 Staging Tips to SELL YOUR HOME!

1. Consider the curb appeal.
At minimum, lawns should be freshly mowed, leaves raked and some flowers planted. Consider a hanging or potted plant for the entrance. Sweep the porch, deck and all walk ways and ensure garbage and recycling are tucked neatly away from the front of the house.
Scrub your front door, porch, outside railings and steps. This is cheaper than repainting and makes a world of difference. Once the outside entrance is clean, decide if the paint really needs a touch up. This is where the buyer will spend A LOT of time as their agent will fumble with the key that doesn't quite open the door easily-trust me- it happens daily!!

2. Get rid of clutter!
Pick one closet or area at a time so the task isn't as daunting. Look at every item with a very critical eye and ask yourself why you're keeping it. You'll probably have to edit the same closets a number of times to really whittle them down to the "essentials". If rooms and closets still look cramped, rent a storage locker. I like to recommend that my sellers remove bathroom clutter by investing in a little shower caddy so the home presents itself in the best possible way!

3. Turn excess inventory into cash.
If you have a collection of items for projects you never got around to, return them. This also applies to the two-year supply of light bulbs, canned goods or paper products sitting in your basement. Without a receipt you won't get cash, but you will have a store credit that you can use once you move. Less clutter and less stuff to pack, move and unpack again! Remember LESS is MORE!

4. Watch where the eye goes.
There are speedy and low cost solutions to many of the little problems that together make a home seem shabbier than it needs to. Walk along each corridor and into every room and check where your eye is drawn (better yet, ask a critical friend or family member). If the eye is drawn to the chipped white paint on the door frame, take some "white out" and fill it in. Often little projects can make the biggest difference!

5. Find a fix-it person.
Ensure cupboards open and shut and that no taps are dripping. Look in all rooms for things you never got around to fixing and decide which ones might be distracting to potential buyers. No, it's not OK for door handles to fall off, even if you have learned to ignore it! In some markets and neighborhoods, it makes sense for you to have a pre-inspection first but not always. Consult your agent for more information.

6. Clean, clean and clean again.
This can be one of the more stressful aspects of having your home on the market— but it's worth the effort to sell your home for top dollar. You can hire a professional service to come in and deep clean everything; then take 20-30 minutes each day to maintain it.Don't neglect hallways. They lead potential buyers through your home and should be bright and clutter free. Remember you're trying to maximize the feeling of space in your home! Appliances should sparkle even if you're not including them with the house. After all, you might throw them in later as a negotiating tool. Your home should shine! Remember clean windows let in more light and look newer. Hire a service if you have to— it's worth the investment. A clean home leaves the impression that the house is well cared for. This helps put buyers at ease— especially a first time buyer who may be worried about the responsibilities of owning a house. Call me if you need cleaning resources.

7. Let in some air.
Open some windows for at least 10 minutes. There is nothing worse than walking into a stuffy house or one that smells of smoke and pet odors. Also be very careful when lighting candles. Some people are very sensitive to perfume smells and it may make them question if you are trying to mask a smell.

8. Let in some light.
It might be mood lighting to you, but if you're trying to sell your home, keep it bright! Dimly lit rooms tend to look small and dingy— especially during the day. If you have a particularly dark room, consider investing in a floor lamp that will bounce light off the ceiling. Prior to a showing, turn on all lights and open curtains to allow the most light in possible.

9. Don't forget fresh flowers.
You don't need to spend a fortune to have fresh flowers throughout your home. Even a daisy in a bud vase brightens a bathroom counter. You can also use potted flowering plants that are in season for a low-cost solution and hopefully they will be something you can bring to your next house to enjoy.

10. Carefully consider music.
Soft background music can help create a soothing environment and camouflage neighbor and traffic noise. But make sure the volume is very low. Blaring TVs are definitely a no-no, but you'd be surprised how many people leave them on for showings! Which reminds me- ALWAYS be gone during the entire time your home is being shown. There is nothing more uncomfortable than showing a home with the owners there.

For more information, visit stagingdiva.com.