Set The Stage!!

STAGE YOUR HOME TO SELL

October 5, 2009-----With more and more people watching home improvement shows on HGTV and TLC, we are finding that buyers now expect for homes to be perfect upon entry. Unfortunately, we don’t all have the knack to decorate, pick the “right” colors, or even arrange furniture, but since most buyers are visual you want to make sure your home has that “wow” factor.

Here are some tips to help you stage your home prior to placing it on the market. Do you want tips specific to YOUR home? Call me and I will check out your home personally and then give you my professional opinion along with a “To Do” list specific to your home.

Clean Up the Clutter
No one wants to walk into someone else’s mess. Get plastic bins & re-organize. Make piles for stuff you want to “Keep”, “Sell”, & “Donate”. Have a yard sale, make a trip to Goodwill, and box up the rest.

Make Your Home Odorless
Don’t let your home smell like you have a dog, cat, or smoker. Open the windows & air it out. Don’t just plan on spraying Lysol or burning candles. You may need to scrub the carpets, wash or re-paint the walls, or clean the air vents to truly rid the home. Read their packages for safety & to make sure they aren’t a fire hazard. Don’t think your house has its own scent? Have a friend or neighbor come over to tell you their honest opinion if the scent is too strong, unpleasant, etc.

Eat Off the Floor
Would you eat off your floor? If not, then you need to clean your home that you could eat directly off the floor. If that thought is not too far fetched your home probably meets others standards & would be clean enough for them to see their children or selves in.

Lighten Up
Open (and clean) the blinds. Take down any dark, dreary curtains. Paint the walls a neutral color, such as tan, beige, off-white, etc. Neutral colors reflect the light better and make the home appear clean. Take down old, out-of-date wallpaper & put up a fresh coat of paint. It will work wonders.Set Your Home ApartSelling during the winter? Buy some fresh, vibrant flowers to bring joy to your home or turn on the fireplace for a warm, cozy feel. Turn on the lights before you leave. It makes the home look livable even when first entering.

Keep the Peace
Take down any items that could be controversial. Have any politically charged collectibles, hunting or fishing decor (i.e. deer head & guns), drinking related items, inappropriate art for children? It’s best to go ahead and pack these up for storage.

Does It Look Like YOU Live There?

Yes- You need to do a bit more staging to your home.
No- Your ready to go!


Melissa Simms
RE/MAX Associates
MelissaSimms@remax.net