Stage Your Home for a Quick Sale
Many people don’t realize that there’s a big difference between decorating and staging.
Decorating suits the homeowner, but staging brings out the best features in your house. Here are some tips that will help you think like a professional stager:
Photograph each room and review the images objectively to help you see heavily cluttered areas or better ways to arrange furniture and maximize square footage. Each room should draw the buyer in and make them feel welcome.
Evaluate. Consider hiring a certified staging expert to conduct an evaluation. After reviewing the results, you can decide whether to stage the home yourself or hire their services. We at Manter Realty can provide you with a list of reputable local staging experts.
Box up your collectibles and excess family photographs; store excess furniture and accessories. Consider renting a storage unit instead of stashing things in the garage.
Repaint. Neutral colors are best for your walls and help potential buyers envision their own furniture in the room. Fresh paint lends a clean look to your walls.
Rent furniture and accessories in lieu of purchasing new items. Replace older appliances and light and sink fixtures. Rental fees are reasonable, and updates can reduce the amount of time your home spends on the market by as much as 50 percent.
Have the carpets cleaned if they’re dirty. If you haven’t washed the curtains in a while, why not do those too?
Trim shrubs and bushes, replace dying plants and remove debris and toys from the yard. Your house might look incredible on the inside, but if it doesn’t have curb appeal, potential buyers will drive right by.
Entice buyers at the front door with potted flowers on the stoop, or a seasonal wreath to welcome guests. If your front door and trim show signs of wear, you may want to have them refinished or painted. Buyers who arrive for the showing before their agent will linger here. You don’t want them looking at chipping pant!
If the roof needs to be repaired or replaced, it’s best to have this work done prior to showing the property, since buyers will look to deduct the cost of such items from your asking price, even if your asking price already reflects needed repairs.
Kennel your animals to help eliminate pet odors for those who may be allergic. If you can’t bear the thought of kenneling, ask a family member or close friend to keep them while your home is on the market.
Resist the urge to use candles and air fresheners. Many people are sensitive to heavy perfumes and fragrances.
Most importantly, let go. Once you put your house on the market, stop thinking of it as your home. Do what’s best for the house so you can sell it quickly and move on to your new life!