Tips on Staging Your Home

  1. First impression: The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it’s fresh and clean. Sidewalks and driveways should be swept and washed to remove debris, dirt and stains. Cracks should be repaired and patched. Be sure to remove any snow or ice from walks and steps. Remove hoses from front walkway. Keep lawn trimmed and edged and the yard free of refuse. Prune and shape trees and shrubs to complement the property. Adding seasonal flower is also something to consider.

  2. Tidy up each room: Pick up toys, shoes and other items that may be scattered about. Keep dishes our of sight. Be sure the beds are made and clothes are put away in closets and drawers. The kitchen and bathrooms should sparkle. And don’t forget to give the whole house a quick once-over with the vacuum.

  3. Decorate: Faded or peeling paint, loose wall paper and worn woodwork can all reduce appeal. Consider replacing unusual or bold colors with neutral tones. An investment in new paint or wallpaper will pay dividends in the end. Clean and polish all woodwork, if necessary (pay particular attention to kitchen and bathroom cabinets—first clean with sodium phosphate, then wipe on Old English Scratch Remover in a matching color). Remember...buyers only know what they see, not the way it’s going to be.

  4. Lighting: Let the sun shine in! Take advantage of natural light as much as possible by cleaning windows, opening shades and drapes, etc. Add lamps and lighting where necessary. Be sure that all fixtures are clean and have functioning bulbs. If it is going to be an evening showing, turn on all your lights to give a welcome feeling.

  5. Repairs and Touch-Ups: Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers and other minor flaws can detract from home value. All doors and windows should be in good working order. Clean and paint doors if necessary, wash all windows and replace any broken or cracked windowpanes. Screens should be free of any tears or holes. Inspect all locks to ensure that they are functioning properly. Check for loose or missing shingles. Clean out gutters and down spouts. Touch up peeling areas on gutters. Fix any dripping faucets (dripping water discolors the sink and suggest faulty plumbing).

  6. Pets: Keep pets out of the way and make sure that pet areas are clean and odor-free. “If we can smell it, we can’t sell it!”

  7. Atmosphere: Soft music on the radio can be appealing (but keep it low), rather than a loud television. Be aware of any odors from cooking, cigarettes, pets, etc. that may have adverse affects on potential buyers. Consider adding fresh or silk flowers for color and freshness.

  8. Security: Secure jewelry, cash, weapons, medications and other valuables. You may want to consider placing these items in a safety deposit box while your house is on the market.

  9. Avoid Clutter: The way you live in a home and the way you sell a home are two different things. Clutter makes it difficult for a purchaser to mentally move into a home...psychologists tell us that buyers won’t buy a home until they’ve mentally moved in. Display the full value of your home by removing unnecessary articles, furniture, etc. Arrange furniture to give the rooms as spacious a feeling as possible. Having you closets neat and organized shows that the space is ample.

  10. Bathrooms: Cleanliness is the key! Check and repair caulking in bathtubs and showers. Make this room sparkle.

  11. Fireplace: Sweep and clean the fireplace. Place a few logs on the grate to create an attractive appearance.

  12. Kitchen: Store small appliances whenever possible to maximize the appearance of work spaces. Clean and organize all storage space. Sinks, cabinets, appliances and countertops should be clean and fresh.

  13. Garage: Sweep and wash the floor to remove dirt and stains. Organize tools and garden equipment.

  14. Exclusions: Remove and replace, if applicable, any items that are attached and will not be included in the sale of the property, i.e. light fixtures, door knockers, favorite plants, etc. Items that cannot be easily moved should be marked with a sign (i.e.a workbench or large cabinet).
    **** Homes that are properly “staged” sell at a higher price and in less time than the competition that did not go to the extra effort of staging their home.****
    Connie Hall 

    Phone: (503)319-9979

    Fax: 1 (866) 499-9979

     

     

    Connie Hall, Broker
    Principal Broker

    connie@conniehallrealtor.com
     
     

     
       
    Copyright © 2010 by Connie Hall,  All rights reserved,

     

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