Staging Your Home to Show

In staging their home, the sellers have an opportunity and responsibility to enhance the salability of their house. The buyer's first impression can mean the difference of literally thousands of dollars in emotional appeal to a buyer or make the difference of whether the property sells or sits on the market for months. The sellers should look to their agents for honest, candid suggestions to increase the visual appearance and maximize the return of the seller's investment.

You never get a second chance to make a good first impression.

FRONT AND BACK YARD: Haul trash, mow, edge, fertilize, (Ammonia Sulfate), water, trim shrubs, open up entryway. Around edges, replace rock or bark or just remove weeds.

GARAGE AND DRIVEWAY: Have a garage sale, clean out and open up the garage workbench, etc. REMOVE OIL SPOTS!

PAINTING OUTSIDE: Nearly every house going on the market should be painted, at least the trim. Purchase a new doormat. Paint, varnish or simply replace the front doors.

PAINTING INSIDE: Use light colors; it gives the feeling of spaciousness and cleanliness.

CARPETS: Do they need to be replaced or at least steam cleaned and deodorized? Clean window coverings if needed.

KITCHEN: Clean counter of clutter, box up and remove extra or unwanted appliances or utensils. For showing, bake cinnamon rolls or boil herbs and spices for aroma.

ENTRY: Add a large mirror to give a spacious feeling.

CLOSETS: If winter, remove summer clothing. If summer, remove all winter clothing so that the closets look spacious. Show off all storage areas by packing and removing stuff to storage or Goodwill.

BATHROOMS: Replace shower curtain. Tilex and clean it until it shines, countertops clear and clean. Repair any plumbing leaks. Use scented soap and fresh towels.

BEDROOMS: Tone down the personalization of teenagers' rooms. Keep bedrooms neat and uncluttered.

FAMILY AND LIVING ROOMS: Keep them spacious and airy. Remove extra pictures, collections, trophies, magazines and furniture, etc. It gives the buyer a chance to see it as their home. Besides, you need to start packing anyway.

LIGHTING: Increase wattage in all fixtures if possible (staying within allowable limits). A well lit home looks more inviting. This is no time to conserve electricity.

WHEN SHOWING: Get the family involved. Turn the TV off, have soft music on. Make sure all the beds are made and everything is picked up. Use sprays and deodorizers sparingly, Open draperies and turn lights on. Keep the toilet lid down. Have the pets contained or outside. Remember, 50% of home purchasers have someone afraid of, allergic to, or simply not fond of pets.

CONSIDERATIONS:

Hire a painter, hire a gardener, pool service.
Use a temporary storage unit for extra furniture, boxed clothing, utensils, etc
Use plants or color arrangements to accent your rooms.
You are not trying to demonstrate how the seller lives; you are letting buyers imagine how they will be living.