|
Prospective buyer’s are usually looking for a place that at least for a few months will not require any major renovations. The purchase of a new home is also about emotions and not just the price tag, so perspective buyers want to be able to picture them self living in your home. The object of staging is to create an openness and accessibility that encourages a buyer's sense of belonging. Two of the key components in creating that sense of longing are cleanliness and lack of clutter. Buyers should be able to maneuver freely through the house while getting a clear notion of its structure. Basic staging of the home's interior should include:
- The cleanest house possible: Hire a professional if you can and pay particular attention to the kitchen and bath
- Neutral, neutral, neutral walls! Beige or off-white
- Organized closets with doors that close
- Clear counters in the kitchen and bath. If it hasn’t been used in 3 months put it away. A sparse kitchen helps the buyer to visualize their own things in the space.
- Coordinate bath towels to one or two colors only.
- Remove excessive furniture pieces. Don’t let the space looked crammed. The buyer should be able to maneuver through each room freely.
- Keep decorative objects on furniture restricted to odd grouping of 1, 3, or 5 items.
- Furniture tops free of photographs. You are trying to sell your house not your family. Excessive family photos should be removed.
- Refrigerator without magnets and drawings. If there are things you need move them to side of the refrigerator.
- Expose hardwood floors if in good condition
- Worn carpeting replace or cover with neutral area rugs
- Sparkling windows, mirrors, chrome, and linoleum
- Outdated window treatments removed and replaced with plain blinds or shades
- Drapes or blinds open unless the view is abhorrent (in which case transparent scrims of white are recommended)
- Interior temperature at a comfortable setting
- A weekend getaway to the boarding kennel for pets: Homes with pets can be deal-breakers to buyers with allergies
- If you need room to store extra possessions use the garage or rent a storage unit.
|
Curb appeal is a must in trying to sell your house. The first thing a prospective buyer sees is the front of the house and it can set the mood for the rest of the visit.
- Freshen the front door with a coat of paint and make sure the doorbell works
- Set the stage even at the front door. Create a small setting of plants, chairs or table.
- Get a new welcome matt for the front door.
- Remove all clutter such children’s toys, lawn equipment, etc.
- Make sure the garden hose is neat.
- Remove all dead material: plants, tress, weeds, leaves, etc.
- Mulch can add a nice splash of color to your around. Place it in flower beds or underneath shrubs.
- Keep the lawn freshly cut, fertilized, sufficiently watered.
- Check the gutters and make sure they are swept and cleaned.
- Look at all plants... prune bushes and trees. Keep plants from blocking windows. “YOU CAN’T SELL A HOUSE IF YOU CAN’T SEE IT.” Plants are like children — they grow so fast!! (Barb Schwarz)
- Exam the condition of the exterior paint and windows.
- Exam any rain gutters, if applicable. Clean out any debris.
|
