Search Homes   Areas   Relocation   Buyers   Sellers   Kids Only   FAQ   About Us
Page Photo
Make Your Home More Saleable with "Staging" Techniques
>
View My Portfolio of Saved Listings
(Requires that cookies be enabled to work properly)

There are many inexpensive and quick things that you can to do make your home "show" a little better for prospective Buyers. Be sure to print out our comprehensive Home Staging Checklist for you to review at your leisure.

If you do nott have time to take a look at the full list, here are a few quick suggestions:

1. Get rid of clutter. Throw out or file stacks of newspapers and magazines. Do some pre-packing to store away most of your small decorative items. Buyers need to be able to picture themselves in the home before they feel a connection. This is also a good time to store out-of-season clothing to make closets seem roomier. If you have cedar lined closets, scuff the cedar with some sandpaper to make the scent more prevalent. Also, an important (and often overlooked area) is the garage - clean out any unneeded items so the space seems ready for the next owners.

2. Give all windows, screens and window coverings a good cleaning. This will allow more light into the interior.

3. Keep everything as clean as possible. This includes washing fingerprints from light switch plates, mopping/waxing floors and cleaning appliances. A clean house makes a better first impression and convinces buyers that the home has been well cared for.

4. Try to get rid of any odors or smells. Cleaning carpets and drapes is often a necessity to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Do not try to use strong perfumes and deodorizers to mask smells...Buyers see through this. If possible, open the windows regularly to clear out any musky or stale smells.

5. Light is an important aspect of staging. If possible, put higher wattage bulbs (if safe) in light sockets to make rooms seem brighter. This is especially important in basements and other dark rooms. Be sure, at this time, to replace any dead bulbs.

6. Sometimes homeowners put off minor repairs because they are not bothered by them. This can create a bad impression. Small problems such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet may seem trivial, but they could give Buyers the impression that the house is not well maintained.

7. Tidy up the yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes, and edge the walks regularly. It is always a good idea to put a pot or two of bright flowers near the entryway. If there are already many other yard ornaments and decorations, pack some of these away so they do not detract from the overall impression of the yard.

8. Patch holes and cracks in concrete (in driveways, patios, porches, etc.) and reapply sealant, if applicable.

9. Clean the gutters and touch-up paint the trim, if necessary.

10. Finally, polish your front doorknob and door numbers. Your first impression (curb appeal) will be remembered, so make sure the entry to the house is clean and in good condition.


Must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to View
        

      

Valid CSS!    Valid XHTML 1.0!