The Power of Staging Your Home

In this tough economy, home sellers across the country are looking for the slight edge to sell their home. They are looking for ways to highlight the strengths and increase the overall appeal of their homes.

One of the easiest and cheapest way is home staging. As you might have seen, most new home developments have model homes. In each of these homes the professional decorators spruce them up with all the right touches, sight, smell and feel.  What do you do if your home is not new and you are competing with the new models?

Clean. Go through your home and get a thorough clean up from top to bottom and in and outside your home. There should not be any stains on your kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, windows, doors and appliances.

Your hardwood floors, ceramic tiles or carpet need to be almost spotless to appeal to potential buyers. Can you imagine having dog hair all over your carpet and hardwood floor?

Make sure all window treatments are clean and appeal to both sexes, the bathroom does not have grime and the shower curtains and doors are scrubbed.

The front and backyard are free of dead leaves, branches and plants. Lawn is mowed.

Paint. Paint is cheap. A coat of new paint does make a lot of difference. Go for neutral colors when you are repainting the inside or outside of your home. Your red wall in the master bedroom may not appeal to your potential buyer even though you absolutely loved it.

Clutter free. Remove all unnecessary accessories and furniture. You want your rooms to look open and neat. Don’t over pack every room with your favorite things. Too many pictures of yourself and your children may not be what potential buyers are looking for. Think and see from their perspective. Your mementos are not theirs; you may like to look at it but they may not.

Remove all clutter from counter tops, clean up your closets, pantry and tables and armoire. Have as little as possible. Go to some model homes or look at some home decorating magazines for inspiration.

Get your house organized. Don’t throw stuff into your closets. Home buyers look at closets too! Box them up for garage sale or rent storage space for your extra things.

Decorate. Each room must show its function and flow. If there is a non-functional corner in the living room, add a mirror, picture or indoor fountain to create balance. Some decorators use feng shui method for creating balance, serenity and spaciousness in a home.

Add wall art, area rugs, table lamps, flowers, plants and beautiful towels that will bring life, sparkle and beauty to your home.

Fresh. Do you think the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies is more refreshing compared to pet odors? Walk through every room in your home and freshen up with candles or air fresheners.

Vinegar and baking soda or lemon are great for the kitchen sink and garbage bins.

Most of all, always be ready to show your home when it is in the market for sale.