Rules of Staging
1. Curb Appeal!
You’ve seen them—“buyers who drive slowly by your house judging its appearance and deciding whether to request a showing or attend an open house”. Make these potential buyers fall in love with your house at first glance by adding potted plants and flowers, power-washing patios and walkways, weeding the garden, and mowing the lawn. It’s your first chance to make a good impression, so you’ve got to make it count!
2. Remove the Odors!
Pay particular attention to odors. You might even consider having a friend drop by for a smell test. Odors— especially pet odors—are the number one reason a home does not sell. The number two reason is the odor of cigarette smoke!
3. Open Your Blinds and Have Someone Be Honest about Your Colors!
Neutralize strong colors for the broadest appeal. A neutral home appears larger and is less likely to offend someone. Also, open blinds and draperies, so there is sufficient light throughout the home. Remember, lighting is the most effective way to set a mood.
4. Depersonalize!
Few things deter buyers more than clutter. They need to see your home not your stuff. Excessive personal items like photos, collections, personal awards, electronics, and collectibles will make it difficult for buyers to see past your personal style and may prevent a sale. Taking yourself out of the picture makes it easier for buyers to imagine themselves and their stuff in your space.
5. Professional Stager!
Think about removing or replacing worn out or outdated furnishings. Get rid of extra pieces of furniture. The time has come to move beyond matching furniture, so break up your sets. Consider consulting a professional staging company for design direction and advice on using rental furnishings to create an inviting home that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.
6. Lighting!
Renew the look of a room by replacing old or dated light fixtures, door hardware, light switches, and outlets. If it’s tacky and older than you, get it out of there!
7. Artwork!
Displaying new artwork is a great way to breathe new life into a room. Photography can be used to contemporize a room and add a pop of color as well. Be sure to remove any art that includes nudity because it can offend some buyers.
8. Make repairs!
Make your home a well maintained zone. Fix squeaky doors, chipped or smudged paint, and broken fixtures and fittings that you’ve neglected.
9. Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint!
It’s the best bang for your buck when you want to quickly refresh a dull, dated room. Slap a fresh, neutral color on the space. Choose beige or taupe for living spaces and a neutral green or blue for bathrooms.
10. Don’t Forget the Floors!
Get rid of worn carpets and consider refinishing shabby hardwood floors. A new inexpensive area rug is a quick fix and can disguise the look of old floors.
CHECKLIST FOR FASTER SALES
First impressions are lasting, and you don’t get a second chance to make a good one. Most buyers are looking for a house that’s clean, spiffy, and brightly lit. Ensuring that your house is immaculate and properly maintained will do more than anything else to make a potential buyer determined to find a way to buy. This checklist covers those items that are most likely to positively influence a buyer.
OUTSIDE:
Sweep driveways and sidewalks; keep them free of toys, bicycles, garden hoses, and other hazards. Fill potholes in driveways and walkways (you can buy concrete in a tube for this). Clean twigs and leaves from gutters and sweep roof. If gutters sag, straighten or replace. Wash windows, screens, and all glass doors. Paint, fix, or wash railings and steps. Very important—brighten the front door with a fresh coat of paint or stain, or a good cleaning. Remove any mold or mildew from home and walkways. Polish front doorknob, knocker, and kickplate. If they’re badly tarnished, replace them. Replace burned-out bulbs in outside fixtures and polish or clean the fixtures. If necessary, paint the house’s exterior or pressure wash vinyl siding. Rid the driveway and/or garage or carport of grease stains. You can use kitty litter or a chemical solvent to do this. Tidy garage and make it appear as big as it really is. Get rid of everything you don’t want to move. A garage sale might be a good idea. Clean air conditioner or compressor. Roll out the welcome mat with a rough-textured doormat. It will help keep your floors clean during showings, and it says that you care about your home. Clean all outdoor furniture and remove rust stains. Fix doorbells, tighten loose doorknobs, spray silicone or WD 40 in locks, oil squeaky hinges, and adjust doors that don’t lock easily.
INSIDE:
Perk up a room with paint. Choose neutral colors. Keep the kitchen especially clean. This is a very important room to women prospects. Clear counters of excess clutter but don’t leave them empty. Mop and wax floors and put away dirty dishes. Clean stove, refrigerator, and sink. Clean out cupboards and pantry. Take almost all magnets off the refrigerator. Clean and degrease the oven. Keep you bathroom clean. To improve its appearance, replace caulking or grout. Replace washers in dripping faucets and fix leaky toilets. Matching towels will improve the appearance. Eliminate odors by preventing them in the first place. Avoid cooking with cabbage, onions, or garlic. Many folks associate strong, spicy odors with uncleanliness. Freshen up the kitchen by sending a lemon through the garbage disposal. Place decorative air fresheners in front of heat/AC vents or use plug-in air fresheners (vanilla scent). Carpets should be cleaned or replaced if badly worn or stained. Use a deodorizer in the cleaning solution. A carpet allowance may be an alternative, but since most buyers are visual, replace if possible. Vacuum or dust blinds and windowsills. Remove worn curtains. Clear out and organize closets to make them appear roomier. Pack out of season clothing and donate clothes you no longer wear to charity. Clear clutter from attic, basement, or storage areas. This allows the buyer to see the potential of these areas. Lubricate sticking doors, windows, and drawers with candle wax. Tighten loose doorknobs and faucets, and oil hinges. Make beds. Remove some pieces of furniture from crowded rooms to increase the feeling of spaciousness. The furniture can be stored or donated to charity. Remove personal items like posters, signs, personal artwork (especially any with nudity) and personal photos.
HOW TO HELP SALES AGENTS:
Children, pets, and adults can keep buyers from feeling at ease and make them hurry through the house. For showings, please be out of the house if possible. Try to keep pets restrained during the day while you are away, so buyers won’t feel nervous. Turn television or stereo down or off during showings. Sight and sound distractions can kill a buyer’s interest. When at home, leave the showing to the salesperson. He/she knows the buyer’s requirements and can best emphasize the features of your house that are important to that particular buyer. You will be called if needed. Never volunteer information that is not requested. Don’t discuss anything concerning the sale with the buyer. Let the salesperson discuss price, terms, possession, and other factors with the buyer. He/she is eminently qualified to bring negotiations to a favorable conclusion.
Expending a little extra energy can go a long way toward enhancing your home. Look at it as an investment in your property.