Preparing to Sell
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Staging Your Home & Why It's So Important

 

Will Rogers once said "You never get a second chance at a first impression." While Mr. Rogers was talking about people, it is also applicable to houses, especially when they are on the market for sale. It is important to make certain that the first impression is a favorable one.

 

If you have ever visited new construction model homes, you know how fabulous they look. The thought might have even crossed your mind that you'd like to not only have the house but all the furniture, pictures, flower arrangements and even the knick-knacks on the shelves.

 

There are some individuals who really know how to make a house look its best without spending a lot of money. There are things that can be done to give it that "model home" look so prospective buyers will want it and everything else in the house that you're willing to sell.

 

When houses have this kind of appeal, they sell quickly and usually for the highest price possible. Another interesting characteristic of houses that look this good is that usually the transaction is remarkably free of problems.

 

What more could you want than to get your house sold for top dollar in short

order without any hassles? If you'll read through this booklet and use some of the suggestions, you'll be on your way to one of these successful sales.

 

One word of warning... don�t wait to see if the house will sell before implementing these ideas. It is crucial that you and your agent begin right away!

The Absolute Basics of Home Staging

 

We want to get your property looking great inside and out for maximum exposure. Please keep in mind; the exterior is just as important, if not more important, as the interior. When an agent arrives with prospects, have the drapes and window shades open to let in as much daylight as possible. If it happens to be night, be sure that all of your outdoor lights are on, especially landscape and pool lights if you have them. Open all doors between rooms to give an inviting feeling. Turn on all of the lights including the lamps. Tune the radio to some quiet, "elevator style" music and turn the television off.

 

When you leave the house in the morning or during the day, please leave it as if you know it’s going to be shown. You never know when the right person is going to look at it, so you must always be ready for them.

 

In addition to the suggestions below, a basic requirement for showing preparation is to be sure there is not too much furniture in a room. Even though it may be inconvenient, you will be far better off by selecting the pieces that look best and putting the others in the garage, basement, or better yet in storage. You can rent a mini-warehouse for a few dollars a month.

Interior Appeal

 

Smell

You may be accustomed to your property’s distinctive scent, but smells from

cooking, cigarettes, pets, flowers, etc., have different effects on different people. Because you can’t anticipate individual likes and dislikes, it’s generally best to go with an overall clean smell. Most cleaning aids will produce a desirable scent. A clean-smelling house creates a positive image in the buyer’s mind. Be aware of any odors such as mildew or gas that may signal a problem.

 

Lighting

Take full advantage of natural light. Artificial light is as important as natural

light. Replace bulbs where needed. Use directional lights to create focal points, highlight special features or set a mood. Interesting lighting can help distinguish your house in a buyer’s eye.

 

Color

The key is to be cautious in selecting colors. Colors can evoke positive emotions, alter perceived sizes and minimize cosmetic flaws. If it is necessary to replace carpeting or repaint, choose neutral colors, such as shades of white or beige for primary surfaces-walls, floors and ceilings. Remember that your main goal is to please the majority of prospects.

 

Entryway

Add a mirror to open up narrow spaces. Existing mirrors should be spotless.

Make sure the baseboards are in good shape. Flooring should look it’s best.

Secure area rugs to prevent slipping. An attractive candy dish filled with

wrapped sweets is a nice gesture.

 

Living Room / Den

Arrange furniture to make the room as open as possible. Avoid knick-knacks.

 

Fireplace

Sweep and clean fireplace and tools. A few logs neatly piled on the hearth may create the same cozy feeling with much less bother.

 

Floors, Walls & Paneling

Keep walls clean and free from smudges. Check for peeling paint. A new coat

of paint will impress buyers. Clean wallpaper and glue down any loose edges.

Make sure the baseboards are in good shape. Shampoo carpets and area rugs. Wax and buff wood floors. Use lemon oils on wood paneling and furniture to make them shine and smell great.

 

Kitchen

National studies show that the kitchen is the most influential area in the house. All appliances should be spotless. Clean the oven and range top, put new drip pans under the burners. Clean around the seal of the door to the dishwasher. Remove stains from sinks and store dishes out of sight. Counter tops should be clean and uncluttered. Too many small appliances on counters can minimize the apparent workspace. Pantry or storage should be clean and organized to reveal maximum usable space. Remove or replace worn shelf paper. Tighten any loose knobs and adjust hinges if needed.

 

Dining Room

Clean fixtures until they sparkle. A dimmer for the lights is an excellent

investment. Furniture should be dust-free and arranged comfortably. To create a warm and inviting room, set out an attractive tablecloth and fresh flowers.

 

Bathrooms

Keep all surfaces spotless, fresh and dry. If necessary, repair caulking around tub and grout between the tiles. This is the time to bring out your best soaps and towels. Replace worn or dirty shower curtains. Be certain drains and faucets work properly. Store personal care products out of sight. To camouflage any stains in toilets use a colored toilet bowl cleaner that can be dispensed with each flush. Check any leaks or disturbing sounds. Organize cabinets and drawers. Remove or replace worn shelf paper. Remove personal items you don’t want seen. Buyers tend to snoop.

 

Bedrooms

Keep them neat. Beds should be made and clothing put away. In children’s

rooms, it’s helpful if walls and furniture are not cluttered.

 

Attics, Basement & Garage

Attics, basements, and garages are important considerations for a buyer. Attempt to remove unnecessary and rarely used items. Keep areas neatly arranged and well illuminated. Organize your space. Hang tools, bicycles and gardening implements on the walls. Wash the floors to remove any stains or consider painting the floor if oil and/or gas stains are visible. Make sure that pull-down staircase is screwed together and strong enough to be used safely. Be sure there is a light in the attic.

 

Closets, Cabinets & Drawers

Storage spaces appear much larger when they are neat and well organized. Get rid of things you haven’t used in the past five years and pack up everything that you haven’t used in the last year. Do it without conscience or remorse. You’re going to have to do it anyway when you move. Closets should look like they have enough room to hold additional items. You might need to box up offseason clothes to make it look that way. Get everything off the floor and don’t have the shelves piled high.

 

Laundry Room

Make sure the washer and dryer are free of lint and caked-on detergent.

 

Window & Window Treatments

Wash all the windows in the house, inside and out. While you’re at it, clean all

the windowsills and the bottom of the window jambs and wash the blinds. Be

sure they open freely and do not stick. Curtains and shades should be clean and left open. Buyers prefer a bright and airy feeling.

 

Plumbing

Be certain that all faucets, showers and toilets are not leaking. Tighten the bolts around the toilets.

 

Stairways

Make sure that stairs are safe, uncluttered and in good repair. Tighten loose

railings, if necessary. Hardware Oil door hinges; tighten knobs and handles. Be certain doors open freely and do not stick.

 

Furnace & Air Conditioners

Keep units clean and well maintained. Change the filters and remove dust and dirt from exterior of units.

 

Crawlspace

Look under your house for any signs of moisture or standing water. Moisture

is one major reason for buyers to become reluctant during the purchase process. Also check for mold and have a termite inspection.

Drive-Up/Exterior Appeal

 

Drive-Up/Exterior Appeal Stand at the street and look at the house to check the curb appeal. Ask yourself "If I were a buyer, would I want to see more?" You may realize, you have some yard work to do.

 

The last thing you want is for an agent to pull in the driveway and the buyer decide not to come in. Here are a few more tips for the exterior of your home:

 

Lawn & Yard

Landscaping is supposed to enhance the property, not hide it. Your lawn and

landscaping must appear well maintained. Grass should be cut, walks edged,

hedges trimmed, and gardens weeded and cultivated.

 

Trees & Shrubs

One of the easiest things to do is trim the shrubs that might be overgrown. They should be lowered to a height-near the bottom of the windows. If there are branches hanging low in the yard, you�ll need to prune them. A simple rule of thumb is to have all the limbs high enough so that you can walk under the tree.

 

Flowers

Clean out the flower beds and make them look good. Get all the weeds out and have a distinct border between the beds and the yard. Everyone dreams of a "Home & Garden" type home with flowers in the beds. Invest in a few flats of flowers that will last an entire season and add color and beauty to the front of your home.

 

Driveways & Sidewalks

Wash down driveways and sidewalks; check them for cracking and crumbling, and patch/seal as necessary. In winter months, be sure walks and driveways are clear of snow and ice.

 

Siding

Make sure the exterior siding is in good condition. A fresh coat of paint is

recommended if there is extensive cracking or peeling. Typically painting the

trim or touching up trouble areas will be all it takes. Some surfaces may only

require power washing to enhance your property's curb appeal.

 

Front Entrance

Check to ensure that all light fixtures, hinges, doorknobs, locks and doorbell

are in good working order. Doors themselves should be cleaned and, if

necessary fresh paint or stain will go a long way toward enhancing your home's appearance. Remember to sweep porches. You might even put some nice looking flowerpots on the porch with some blooming plants in them.

 

Windows

Replace any broken panes or broken thermal seals. Wash all windows inside and out. Screens should be free of serious runs or tears. Also, remember to inspect to ensure they function properly.

 

Roof & Gutters

Look for shingles that need to be secured or replaced. Make sure gutters and

down spouts are firmly in place and clear of any debris. Gutters may need to be touched up with fresh paint.

 

Fences

Repair any areas that are in bad shape. Where necessary, apply a new coat of paint or stain.