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staging a home
to meet high expectations
Look at each area and room separately. Ask yourself if there's anything you've missed or that can be done to improve the overall look and appeal. Ask your agent or a friend to give your home an honest assessment. And then do it! If you can see it, your prospective Buyer can too. Small amounts of money spent on repairs and improvements make a big difference. The result may be a quicker sale.
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First Impressions are Most Important!
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Tidy up the yard, patios, and garage.
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Keep landscaping trimmed. Add annuals for color.
--especially where it will be visible from the street.
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Clean or paint the front door and mailbox.
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Contain all toys out of sight.
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Pare furniture to a minimum to open up space.
Decor and Cleanliness Count!
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Make sure kitchen and bathrooms sparkle
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Put away all clutter - even the stuff you use everyday!
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Invest in paint; choose neutral colors.
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Use fresh, attractive bedspreads and pillows
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If any furniture looks shabby, remove or replace it with something you can use in your new home.
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Wash all the windows - inside and out.
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Make closets seem spacious by organizing and deleting whatever is seasonal or can be packed for your move.
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Updating the decor in kitchen and bathrooms pays for itself while speeding up a sale.
Disrepair doesn't get a pass.
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Repair shutters, gutters, and down spouts
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Replace screens and screen doors as needed.
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Paint exterior trim
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Paint hallways and entrances that appear worn.
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Replace worn carpeting or damaged tile.
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Repair or replace sticking doors or windows, dripping faucets, loose knobs, running toilets, other small items.
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Have a working light in every area - closets, garages, outdoors. Everything shows better when well-lit.
Show Time!
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Put out clean towels and make the beds.
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Put dishes in the dishwasher or wash and put them away.
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Straighten up newspapers, mail, pet toys stray jackets, magazines, computer areas, etc.
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Keep all steps clear of hazards.
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Turn on the lights in every room.
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Open all window coverings.
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Bake cookies, if possible, or simmer potpourri.
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Put out cut flowers, if possible.
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Keep pets out of sight. They annoy some and distract others.
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Avoid having too many people present. You don't want the Buyer to feel like an intruder.
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Don't allow your children to tag along on the tour. It's best if the entire family/sellers leave during tour.
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Never apologize for appearance. It only accentuates or changes the mood to a negative.
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Turn off all external noises such as TV, radio, or dishwasher.
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Great information for sellers. You photos look great, what is your secret?
Spot on post !! Good information !! Realtors can only do so much, sellers need to help make their homes more presentable in this slow market. Seller's will be standing in line for your professional expertise. I hope they listen and take heed to what you offer. Great job as usual. Glad you don't live in Utah-- you'd have ALL the listings.
Julie - Thank you my friend. Feel free to print it up or share it!
Griff - I agree, we as professionals owe it to our clients to help them and educate them. Our market, being a buyer's market seller's have much competition and if they don't have the 'know-how' to get their home 'Show Time' ready, perhaps going with a Professional Staging company can help with a quick sale and perhaps a better price over their competition. It's about being the best on the market on every level, don't you agree? I thought about getting licensed in Utah once upon a time. No worries, I would need a great Broker, are you hiring, just in case? Thank you for your kind words and continued support, as always!
Another great post Candace. You have such a wonderful and creative way of presenting your material.
Thanks for sharing.
Kathy - Thanks my friend. The move has gone well, just trying to get settled in for the New Year. Hope all is going well. Thanks for the compliment.
Paul - I agree, listings need to be top-notch and 'show ready,' we have to prepare all sellers of the 'must haves' to find success. Price, Presentation, Positive Thinking and Preparedness!! Thanks for your comment. It's been a while since I have seen you around my page. Thanks for stopping by.