Staging a House For Selling? Read This First
Selling
If you are preparing to sell your home, you know that proper staging can help sell it quickly and at the best possible price. Staging a house includes everything from cleaning to styling, and can make the difference between an offer and a pass. Here are some quick tips for help preparing your home for sale:
Give Your Home Personality without Personalizing It
Every home should have some personality whether it carries a certain style or has distinctive architectural features. However, when staging a house you should try to avoid keeping out any objects that are overly personal to you. You want potential buyers to visualize themselves living there, so put away refrigerator magnets, elementary school artwork, and kitschy pillows. Do keep some decorative items on the walls to keep them from looking bare, but make sure they coordinate in some way with your furniture or bedding.
Add Extra Polish
In addition to everyday objects such as furniture and wall décor, your staged home should include extra decorative touches that make it inviting. Place a row of candles on the hearth, even if they are not meant to be lit during showings. Keep a vase-full of fresh flowers on the dining room table, and make sure your windows and window coverings are clean to provide the maximum amount of natural light. Consider picking up a few extra throw pillows or objets d’art to enhance your living room and bedroom.
Ask for Advanced Notice Before Showings
Whether you currently live in the property you have for sale or have recently moved out, your realtor should not plot surprise visits. Make sure to ask your realtor for a few hours’ notice before any showings so you have time to tidy things up, open window shades, or adjust the temperature.
Do Not Neglect Your Home’s Curb Appeal
Is your home’s paint chipping, peeling, or faded? Has your siding seen better days? Potential homebuyers will scrutinize the outside of your home, so make sure all shrubbery is neatly trimmed and that your sidewalk is free of cracks. Utilize landscaping as a way to help give your property a cohesive feel. Curb appeal also includes updating old fixtures, house numbers, and entry door locks.
Keep Things Clean
As you prepare your house for selling, do you have a plan for maintenance while it is on the market? Aside from the initial deep cleaning while staging, you should be prepared to hire a maid service or stop by regularly to keep things looking crisp and fresh. Dust and vacuum regularly, and do not forget to sweep your porch and driveway. Combining all of these tips will help create a warm, inviting atmosphere for your home that will leave potential buyers dreaming about living there.
