Why do I suggest that you stage your home?

Staging is the art of preparing a residence to achieve the best possible return on your investment by giving it a makeover and freshened appearance, inside and out. Unless your home is a candidate for a tear down, it is crucial to take the time and money to make it sparkle and shine against the competition. When the Realtors and the buyers visit your property, you only have one chance to make a good first impression. If you want to sell your home quickly and for the best price possible, the work that you do in advance, is sure to pay off.

In our initial consultation, we identify the positive and negative aspects of your home and make a punch list of what you need to address in the order of importance. Within the budget you set, we can assist you in prioritizing the most crucial areas of improvement. Not only can we help you emphasize the optimal use of space through furniture arrangement and accessorizing, we can also offer names of contractors to get the various jobs done.

Staging goes beyond the normal window washing, carpet cleaning, de-cluttering and painting…our goal is to create an inviting ambiance that makes the buyers want to write an offer and move right in. When deciding on furniture placement, less can be more, and sometimes a house needs to be emptied to create the illusion of more space. The cost of home staging varies, but in most cases, the money is well spent and often our clients claim that they wished they had done it sooner because their home never looked better!

20 Suggestions to Stage Your Property

EXTERIOR

1. FIRST IMPRESSION: The exterior of your property is the first thing a prospect sees. Be sure the walkway is not crumbling or loose, the lawn is well trimmed, the gardens are neat, have a fresh doormat, clean mailbox & outside light. A crisply painted front door and/or storm door is a must. Flower pots and mulch in the front are a plus, an a flag can add color.

2. CLEAN WINDOWS: Keep your windows & screens clean. and trim them with clean curtains or drapes. Sparkling windows, draped with neutral sheers, make a house cheerful.


INTERIOR

3. REDECORATE or PAINT? Decide where decorating may improve value. Your listing Realtor will help you and we can also recommend professional stagers. Lifting old carpets to expose wood floors, removing old wall paper, and painting walls in neutral colors can go a long way to improve your home and give it a fresh look.

4. A CLEAN BASEMENT is important. Visual clutter makes the area appear small and leaves an unfavorable impression. The buyer may find it difficult to visualize the space & a fresh smell is also important.

5. CLEAR STAIRWAYS ARE ESSENTIAL: Objects on any stairs are dangerous and present a crowded appearance.

6. NEAT BEDROOMS help sales! We suggest using your best spreads, also have the dresser and table tops neatly arranged. Remove valuables from sight.

7. NEAT CLOSETS look larger and give a good impression. If closets are overcrowded, buyers may feel that they are too small. Clean them and store out of season clothes in the attic or storage room.

8. SPARKLING, NEAT BATHROOMS give a favorable impression. Fresh towels, bath mats & even a new toilet seat can make a difference.

9. LIGHT IS IMPERATIVE: Bright rooms are cheerful rooms to a prospective buyer. Pull back curtains where possible. Keep bright bulbs in poorly lighted rooms, especially the basement.

10. ATTIC & BASEMENT – DECLUTTER! It is okay to use these areas for storage but make sure people can still move around.


DURING THE SHOWING

11. INTRODUCTIONS can be distracting. Have as few people as possible in the house when it is shown. This puts buyers at ease and helps them concentrate on the advantages of your property. Even better, leave your home whenever possible, during showings.

12. MOST PEOPLE LIKE DOGS, but they distract attention. If you have a pet we suggest you keep it out of the house.

13. TURN OFF THE TV – Classical or easy listening music can be enjoyable.

14. LET THE SALESPERSON TALK: Be polite, but do not make conversation with the buyers. The salesperson has already given an introduction to your property and needs the attention of the buyers.

15. LET THE SALESPERSON SHOW THE PROPERTY: Stay on the sidelines. Many sales have been lost due to the over-enthusiasm of the owner trying to “sell” a buyer who is inspecting a house with a salesperson.

16. NEVER APOLOGIZE for the appearance or condition of your home. It will only call the buyer’s attention to something that would probably never have been considered a problem.

17. FIRST SELL THE HOUSE: Do not try to sell the buyers any furniture, rugs or drapes. This complicates the sale and detracts from the interest created in the house. If a carpet or rug is desired by them, the salesperson will request it in their offer to purchase.

18. NIGHT APPOINTMENT: Turn on the walkway & porch lights when showing the house after dark. Also have the house well lit. This will prove especially helpful when there are no wall switches in rooms, or at the stairway leading to the attic or basement.

19. DO NOT DISCUSS anything concerning price, terms, possession, or attempt to negotiate a preliminary contract of sale with the buyers.

20. Please show your house only upon request of a member of the Board of Realtors. If someone knocks at your door, please refer him to your Listing Realtor. Try to have your house in order so that it may be shown at a reasonable hour – usually between 10am & 7pm is sufficient.