Staging Your Home's Appearance

Making a good first impression can mean the difference between receiving serious offers & also better offers for your home. Here are some tips for home sellers:

Focus on curb appeal.

The outside of your house can be the source of a very good first impression.

  • In the summer, keep a well-manicured lawn & cleanly swept walks
  • Edge along the sidewalks
  • Have at least the front of your house and the trim painted, if necessary
  • Clean windows
  • Remove any clutter in yard & driveway
  • In the winter keep snow & ice removed from the walks & driveway

 

Clear out the clutter.

  • Let the buyers “see your home”.
  • Get rid of anything you don’t need or use
  • Straighten up the closets
  • Remove excess clothing & furniture & store elsewhere if that’s what it takes to clear out your home

Cleaning & decorating sells your home.

Good examples here are:

  • Fresh paint wherever possible
  • Absence of clutter on kitchen counters
  • Kitchen floor in like-new condition
  • Caulking in tubs
  • Repair dripping faucets
  • Clean towels in the bathroom
  • Repair loose knobs & sticking windows & door repaired
  • Have working light bulbs & switches – especially in the basement & closets
  • Clean basement & garage & clean up any grease spots

Minor items like this may seem small, but left undone they can lead buyers to question whether you’ve taken good care of your home. The nose test. Many people are oblivious to scents, but others are extremely sensitive to offensive odors. Try to eliminate any bad odors, bathe your pets, freshen the cat litter box frequently, shampoo your carpets, dry clean your drapes and empty trash cans, recycling bins and ashtrays. Place open boxes of baking soda in smell-prone areas. Try using some potpourri or air fresheners as an enhancer.

Get a buyer’s-eye view. Walk up to your home and pretend you’ve never seen it before. What do you notice? How do you feel about what you see? Does the home seem inviting? Well-maintained? Would you want to buy this home? Your answer should be an enthusiastic yes!

 

PREPARE FOR SHOWING YOUR HOME

 

  • Make your home as appealing as possible
  • Open draperies & curtains & turn on all lights
  • Remove dogs, cats or other pets if possible to the yard
  • Fresh flowers if possible make a good impression
  • Try to remove dirty dishes
  • Make the beds when possible
  • Try to stay in one area of the house when it’s being shown (let the buyer feel comfortable)
  • Let the buyer’s agent answer any questions or objections
  • Don’t volunteer answers to unasked questions (“This is a family neighborhood” really does turn off some buyers)

If you have any questions, I am always here to help. I can supply you with the information & materials you need.