Tips For Staging Your Home to Sale

The three most important things needed

•         De-cluttering
•         De-personalizing
•         Re-arranging

Home Preparation for Outdoors

•         Entry way should be inviting. Makes buyers want to come inside.
•         Front door should be in good condition with shiny hardware.
•         Have flowers or plant by door and or wreath on door.
•         Keep yard and shrubbery cut and well maintained.
•         Sweep driveway, walkway, decks and porches.
•         Outdoor lighting should be used in case buyers ride by in evening.
•         Pressure wash house or sidewalks if needed.
•         Garage should be uncluttered and organized. Keep doors down.
•         Fresh coat of paint, wherever needed.
•         Move all toys, bicycles, etc. away from house into one area.
•         Clean all windows. Make them sparkle.
•         Make street numbers standout.
•         Repair loose shingles.
•         Paint, repair and clean out gutters.
•         Remove trashcans from out from of the house and walkways.
•         Make sure the roof is in good condition.

Home Preparation Basics for Inside

•         Get rid of clutter. Less is more.
•         Reduce amount of small appliances and other personal items on countertops to two 
•         or three.
•         Remove all ashtrays.
•         Keep all soaps, scouring pads, cleaning supplies, etc. out of sight.
•         Organize closets, cabinets and drawers.
•         Remove personal collections.

• Make house more spacious.

•         Remove excess furniture.
•         Remove excess knick knacks and books.
•         Remove all but one scatter rug per room.

• Bedrooms should have beds.

•         Keep closet doors closed.
•         In children’s room, remove all posters but one favorite.

• Expand desirable features

•         Show off hardwood floors.
•         Show off windows with pretty views. Expose natural light.
•         Show off fireplace, gourmet kitchen, built-in shelves, etc.
•         Add some life. Live plants and flowers look great, but not if unhealthy.

•         Dining tables should look ready for guests.
•         Paint walls if dingy or too much personal style (e.g. lime green, orange color).
•         Clean windows and appliances inside and out (window coverings as well).
•         Have carpets professionally cleaned.
•         Eliminate odors as much as possible with fresheners, potpourri, etc.
•         If couch or chairs are dingy, disguise them with pillows and/or throws.
•         Remove pet food and litter boxes to help eliminate odor.
•         Vacuum/mop each morning. All surfaces should be clean and dust free.
•         Make sure faucets are drip free.
•         Make sure the temperature inside your home is comfortable during showings.
•         Play mood music.
•         Have mood lighting, make sure house is well lit and all bulbs are working.
•         Open drapes and blinds, and turn on all the lights.