PRIOR TO SELLING YOUR HOME … “STAGING TO SELL”

No matter how challenging you feel today’s market is, it is imperative to shorten the length of time that your house is up for sale as well as getting the best possible offer.  In order to achieve these goals one must recognize that there are critical steps that need to be taken, with or without a design professional, it is important to walk the interior and exterior of your home from the perspective of the buyer.    

Starting with the exterior…

Look at the home from the buyers’ perspective and create a curb appeal that maximizes good qualities and minimizes the less attractive features.  The goal is to embrace potential buyers before they enter your home.

· Replace dated mail boxes

· Update exterior lighting

· Paint front door and shutters

· Power wash house & decks

· Update landscape- trimming trees and bushes

Now the interior…

The goal here is to minimize accessories and wall décor and to create a more neutral environment.  Simplify.

· Fresh paint and remove wallpaper- suggest bright white trim and ceilings- neutral color pallet on the walls

· Utilize solids, minimize prints

· De-clutter- pack up now vs. later and remove all personal and dated items

· Replace dated light fixtures and purchase new ones that you can use in your new home

· Remove excess furniture that can make a room feel too small- you want potential buyers to walk through the home without obstructions

· Consider purchasing new furniture that will also be taken to your new home

· Replace worn carpet with hardwood or inexpensive cream carpet 

Kitchens & Bathrooms

· The heart and soul of every home- these areas can make or break a sale

· Purchase new counter tops, sinks, stainless appliances, and nickel hardware

· Remove wallpaper

· Replace light fixtures

· Buy new solid neutral shower curtains, rugs, and towels

Bedrooms

· Minimize furniture- most homeowners have way too much furniture- less is more

· Purchase solid comforters

· Remove excess dated artwork

Garages & Basements

· DE-CLUTTER

Before the house goes on the market you may want to have a home inspector come in so you can make repairs now vs. later.