You can help get the results you want by staging your home. Staging is not about redecorating your entire home. It’s about rearranging what you already have and making a few improvements that appeal to more buyers. It can pay for itself by helping your home sell more quickly and for a better price.
De-personalize
The #1 rule in staging is to de-personalize. Pack up personal photographs and family heirlooms so buyers can picture themselves living there.
De-clutter
Almost every home shows better with less furniture.
- Pare furnishings down to the essentials
- Pack up knickknacks
- Clear everything off the kitchen counters
- Remove personal items from bathroom counters
Rearrange closets and cabinets
Buyers will open closets, kitchen cabinets and medicine cabinets.
- Organize pantry and cabinet contents
- Reduce closets to half-full and organized
- Neatly arrange clothing, shoes and shelf items
- Put medicines and personal items out of sight
Remove favorite items
If you’re taking window coverings or fixtures with you, remove them now. If buyers don’t see something, they won’t expect it to be part of the deal.
Make minor repairs
- Replace burned-out light bulbs
- Replace cracked floor or counter tiles
- Patch holes in the walls
- Fix leaky faucets and doors that don’t close properly
- Consider painting walls in neutral colors
Create great curb appeal
If buyers won’t get out of the car because they don’t like the outside, they’ll never see the inside.
- Keep the sidewalks clear
- Mow the lawn and trim the bushes
- Paint faded window trim
- Plant or pot colorful flowers
- Make sure visitors can clearly see your house number
Make the house shine
- Wash windows inside and out
- Re-caulk tubs, showers and sinks if needed
- Polish chrome faucets and mirrors
- Clean out the refrigerator
- Vacuum regularly
- Dust furniture, ceiling fan blades and light fixtures
- Clean dingy grout
- Replace worn rugs
- Hang up fresh towels
- Replace an old shower curtain
Showing your home
If the house looks comfortable, but not personal, you’re almost done.
- Open the drapes to let the sunshine in, and turn on the lights
- Fresh flowers are a small luxury that make people feel good
- Make sure the temperature is comfortable
- Appeal to all the senses: your home should smell fresh
- Outdoor living spaces matter to buyers, so add a few decorating touches
Want a second set of eyes?
David is a REALTOR® and a licensed builder. He’ll walk your home with you, point out what buyers will notice and tell you which fixes are worth it.