Staging Homes to Sell

Staging Homes to Sell

Staging homes to sell can possibly give your home a quick sale and high return on your investment. So, to archive this you will need to stage your home. Unless, of course, your area is selling like hot cakes. But, today's volatile real estate market is starting to climb down from up high and the prices are getting to somewhat reasonable levels. So now especially, you will want to stage your home for sale and have your house stand out from the others. Real estate staging helps!

Decorating to sell your home will help and selling vacant homes will need to have rental furniture inside to give the home a lived in and 'not on the market long' look.

DIY home staging is not only about clearing out clutter and re-arranging furniture, but could also include painting, redecorating and landscaping.

Pricing your house correctly is important. don't only rely on the realtor. Ask others (friends, family and neighbors) also and try to decide on a price for your house. But be flexible and decide what's important. Do you need to sell quickly or for the right price? Your realtor can help with those decisions, so tell them what you want and expect in the real estate sale of your house. A professional home stager can help.

Today the real estate market is tough. Lowering your price, giving realtors money incentives and inticing buyer's by paying closing costs can help you sell. We have included some other - mostly no-cost items to help you along:

ROOM-BY-ROOM CHECKLIST **

GENERAL
• De-personalize rooms by removing family pictures and personal collectibles
• Turn on ALL lights during sale hours. No one wants to come into a dark house.
• Use candles for aromas...NOT sprays which are obvious and indicate something concealed
• Play soft music (on low volume) during tours (if possible because it helps people to relax).
• Bake breads or cookies and leave the dish out for visitors.
• DO NOT cook smelly foods (fish, onions, garlic and grease) prior to sales tours.
• Keep the home spotlessly clean. Would you want to buy a dirty and unkempt home?
• Repair any damaged wood, tile or lino flooring.
• Clean carpet of stains and odors and replace worn carpeting.
• Remove pets or have them put in the laundry room or garage with a sign to not open door.
• Use the brightest bulbs to give more lighting inside.
• Make sure all windows open easily and glass is clean.
• Remove dated wallpaper. Paint with a neutral color.
• Repair any holes, cracks or damaged walls and repaint.
• Have a garage sale before listing the house to get rid of unwanted items.

LIVING ROOM
Straighten furniture and plump and smooth cushions.
Remove any excess furniture to make the room more open.
Empty surfaces of clutter and dust.
Vacuum carpet and wash any floors.
Organize and arrange bookshelves.
Put loose papers away.

DINING ROOM
Keep the table dusted and chairs straightened.
Table clear or set with nice place settings.
Floor dusted or carpet vacuumed.
Picture frames (artwork) straightened and clutter removed.

FAMILY ROOM
Furniture straightened and plump and smooth cushions.
End table and entertainment center shelves neatly organized or remove clutter.
Remove loose papers and remove (or stack 2 or 3 only) magazines.
Children's toys organized and stored. Videos, tapes and cd's put away.

KITCHEN
Countertops empty (except for necessary items) and cleaned.
Repair or replace broken or dripping faucets.
Cabinets organized inside (people do look inside) and don't forget under the sink.
Repair or tighten any loose cabinet doors.
Floor washed or swept.
Pantry organized and cleaned.
Private papers and mail stored away. People will look if it's out and you're not there.
Broom closet organized and cleaned out.

BATHROOM
Attractive towels neatly displayed.
Repair or replace broken or dripping faucets.
The sink, tub and toilet should be sparkling clean.
Floor washed and bath mats stored away.
Remove all dirty clothes and towels.
Place some pretty soaps in the soap dish.

BEDROOMS
Beds nicely made and pillows plumped.
Remove all dirty clothes from hooks, floor and hamper.
Remove any clutter on dressers or night stands and organize attractively.
Rugs vacuumed or floors swept.

HOME OFFICE
Furniture straightened and upholstered chair cushions plumped.
Bookshelves neat and organized.
Papers put away from desktop.
Private papers and mail put away.
Computer, printer and fax turned off and/or unplugged (if you're not there for sale tour).
Closet organized and file cabinets locked.

GARAGE
Organize and clean-up as much as possible and store all garden tools.
Floor and stairs swept clean.

GARDEN & LANDSCAPE
Mow grass and sweep sidewalks and patio.
Flower beds weeded and lawn edged.
Remove all dead plant and foliage and any debris (non-landscape).
Remove any broken or damaged material and replace with new.
Remove any used or unused construction material or garbage.
Remove any 'beware of dog' signs from property.
Patch any dead lawn spots.
Check sprinkler system and repair any broken sprinkler heads.
Prune overgrown trees and prune any away from home.
Repair any foundation concrete cracks.
Add some colorful plants to the porch area (in pots is ok).
Paint the front door a bright and attractive color. The door is the invitation to enter.
Replace worn welcome mat.

The biggest thing to remember is that the home no longer belongs to you once it is listed for sale. So, remove all traces of personalization and collectible knick-knacks. De-personalize the house. This is done so prospective buyers can view the house with their items in it...not yours.

And, the first thing the buyer sees when they pull up in front of your home is the landscaping and front door. Pay attention to these items because a messy and dead lawn (not including the winter months) could cause buyers to leave and not come in to the house.

Staging homes to sell will give you a big advantage over others in today's competitive marketplace!