Tips for Staging a Successful Home Sale
MAKE AN ENTRANCE
You know the saying "You never have a second chance to make a first impression" Your foyer is the first thing your buyer sees, so make sure it is inviting. Shoes should be stored properly in closets; mail should be stored away and out of sight. Imagine yourself as a buyer walking into an house for the first time. Walk out and back in if you must, what do you see?
GET RID OF CLUTTER
All the small knick knacks, collectibles, and valuable items should be removed and stored for a clean look. Allow the. buyer to see the amount of space, not your belongings.
REMOVE PERSONAL ITEMS
You want to make sure the buyer can envision living in the space. If they see all your photos, trophies, diplomas etc they will not be able to envision themselves living there.
ORGANIZE YOUR CLOSETS
Storage space sells! Buyers will open the closets, so it is an innovative idea to organize and toss out any unused items. If your closets are overflowing, it gives the impression that you do not have sufficient storage
If you have kids, organize their toys in a storage bin/toy box. Buyers won't want to see them spread out throughout the house.
CLEAN HOUSE
You want buyers to concentrate on the living space, not the dirty counters or unmade bed. Before a show, make sure everything is neat and clean.
MINOR REPAIRS & PAINT
Buyers naturally expect minor repairs to be completed on a property for sale. If you decide not to take care of them buyers can use this to bargain, earning a lower selling price for the property. A fresh coat of pain in a neutral color will do wonders! To make a room look bigger and seamless, paint it the same color as the adjacent room. Moldings and trims should be painted a fresh white for a crisp look.
OLD CARPETS
It is better to have no carpet than to have dirty or worn carpet. if you have wall to wall carpeting, you can either have a professional come to clean or rent a carpet cleaner. if you have great hardwood floors but old rugs, just remove them and show off those floors. Buyers love hardwood floors!
ADD LIGHT
Proper lighting is crucial to a warm and inviting look. Increase your bulb wattage for a bright look. If you have natural light, do not hide it with heavy curtains/drapes.
FLOWERS
Add a bouquet of fresh flowers to add warmth and life to your living space
WHAT'S THAT SMELL
Nobody wants to walk into your home and smell the fish you cooked the night before. Crack a window or two; spray room scent or light a scented candle to absorb odors. Better yet, bake some cookies and leave them out for your buyers and agents!
UTILIZE YOUR SPACE
Any unused space looks like a waste. Emphasize your space with a properly fitting piece of furniture, a plant or chair.
DRESS IT UP
Dress your bed in light neutral colored sheets, duvet and pillows. Add decorative towels to the bathroom. If in doubt, go with white; it gives any room a clean, fresh look.