Todd's Home Staging Tips

Don’t Just Prepare Your Home – Stage Your Home

Does your house look like someone else’s dream home?  You should always ask yourself this question when preparing to sell your home.  Houses that are ready to be moved into are much more attractive to buyers.  These houses are more likely to sell faster for a higher price. Always consider the following when selling:

You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression

Although its cliché, the above statement is correct.  The first impression a prospective buyer gets is going to be the exterior of your home.  If there is any yard work to be done, do it.  Mow, rake any leaves, trim or prune the trees that might block any light from entering your home. If there are any yard tools, equipment or any toys out on the lawn, be sure to store them in their proper place.  Go out to your curb and look at your house.  Are there any broken or missing shingles?  Do the shutters need repainting?  Are the window screens torn or missing?  Are the windows so dirty that no light comes into your house?  Does your house need a new coat of paint? Is the driveway cracked or are there too many cars parked in the driveway?  These are all important questions to ask yourself.  Remember, what would you be looking for if you were viewing your home as a buyer?

Does Your Home Pass the White Glove Test?
Perform a walk-through of your home.  Examine it as if it was your first time.  Everything should be spotless.  The tables and display items should be dusted.  Remove any clutter.  Carpets should be clean and free of any spots or tears.  Wood, vinyl, or tile floors should be waxed.  Fix any loose railings or improperly closing cabinet or room doors. 

Entryway
Don’t just make your entryway and entrance; make it a Grand Entrance.  Change any burned out light bulbs or bulbs that have dimmed with age.  Remember that a bright and cheery house will sell faster than a dim and dull house.  Give your house a pleasant aroma, but don’t over do it!!

Living Areas
Make your Living Room livable.  Is your carpet so worn that not even you would want to walk on it in your bare feet?  Replace it, or have it professionally cleaned.  It will cost you, but you may more than make up for it if your house sells for your asking price. Repair any holes in your walls and repaint if necessary.  Open all curtains and replace any that look old, worn or dirty.  Add lighting from table lamps or floor lamps if your house is dark.  Fresh flowers and a mild air freshener are always a nice touch.

Furniture
Get a head start on packing if your rooms are too cluttered with furniture.  Pack away any excess furniture.  This has the added effect of making your rooms look more spacious.  Don’t clutter your table tops, shelves or walls with too many decorative items.  One or two per surface is plenty.

Kitchen and Baths
These rooms are important!  Clear off kitchen counter tops and make the bathroom sparkle.  Mirrors and countertops should be free of water spots.  A fresh aroma helps a lot!

Closets
Again, here is an opportunity to get a head start on your packing.  Examine your closets.  Are they overflowing with clothes or other items?  Make them look larger by removing excess clothing (put it in storage or take it to Goodwill) and organizing shelves and shoes.

Exterior
Make sure windows are cleaned, shutter washed and that the lawn is well-manicured.  The front door should look freshly painted as well.

Lawn
Your lawn should be well-watered and manicured.  Add accent color by planting flowers.  Drive-up appeal is a must!

Need help with the staging of your home?
Contact a professional - Jay Ploeg at StageOurPlace.com. Jay works with anyone who owns a home and is tired of the waiting game.

 
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