Benefits of staging your home

“Staging” has become popular as a term for getting your home ready for market. The extent of staging that may be appropriate or desirable is something we will discuss. You obviously cannot change such things as the layout, the size, or the location, but you can do simple things that will make the home more exciting and attractive to buyers. Most alterations are easily done and will help us find a buyer quickly while bringing you top dollar for your home.

First impressions are lasting.
The front door greets the prospect. Make sure it is fresh, clean and scrubbed-looking. Keep the porch and/or any yard free of hoses, toys and refuse. Flowers enhance a home both inside and out.

Decorate for a quick sale.
Faded walls and worn woodwork reduce appeal. Why try to tell prospects how your home could look when you can show them by redecorating? A quicker sale at a higher price will result. An investment in new kitchen wallpaper may pay dividends.

Let the sun shine in.
Open draperies and curtains and let the prospect see how cheerful your home can be. (Dark rooms do not appeal and seem small.)

Repairs can make a big difference.
Loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, warped cabinet drawers, and other minor flaws detract from home value.

From top to bottom.
Display the full value of your garage, storage rooms and other utility space by removing all unnecessary articles. Brighten dark, dull rooms by painting walls.

Display your closet space.
Be sure they are neat and orderly (they will look bigger). Leave the doors slightly ajar so the buyer feels free to examine the space available.

Pack what you don’t need now.
Pack away small knickknacks, extra books, and papers now. You will save yourself the trouble of packing them later and a sparser home often shows details better.

Store valuables.
It is essential that you lock jewelry, valuables, money, and small items that could easily be displaced.

Don’t be around.
Avoid being present during showings or inspections. The potential buyer will feel self-conscious and like an intruder and will hurry through the house. I, as an agent, will host the prospective buyer and their agent. The buyer’s agent knows their requirements and can best assist in emphasizing the features of your home that are most relevant and critical to their client.

Pets.
Keep them out of the way – preferably out of the house.