The Do's and Don'ts When Preparing to Sell
First the Don'ts:
1. Think you'll have more negotiating room if you list your home above fair market value - big mistake! There's a good it chance it will sit on the market and become stale. A good realtor will tell you this and you need to listen!
2. Put scented candles in every room or use air fresheners. Buyers aren't stupid and it's the equivalent to skipping a shower and putting on perfume or aftershave - you're not fooling anyone! Clean, clean, clean - it's the only "smell" everyone likes!
3. "Clean up" by stuffing everything into the closets. Buyers are nosey and open cabinets and closets to check out storage space. They want to know that their stuff will fit - closets filled with junk don't invoke any confidence.
4. Neglect yard work. A buyer's first impression starts with curb appeal. Unkempt lawns, overgrown bushes and shrubs scream neglect and only help your competition.
5. Leave toys, personal papers, magazines, shoes and coats lying about. Yes, I know most of you are saying, "who doesn't know that?!" Check out MLS or Realtor.com and see for yourself!
6. Assume buyers will be happy to complete your unfinished DIY jobs! They won't - end of story.
7. Assume buyers will think your pets are as cute as you do. They won't - not all people are animal lovers and this can be a big deterrent. (Just for the record, I love animals, but they don't enhance a potential buyer's experience while visiting your home.)
The DO's: 
1. Listen to your agent when they tell you what your home is worth. They are the experts, have researched your neighborhood, used comparable comps and know the demographics of your area. Your emotional attachment to your home will cloud your judgment 9 out of 10 times, making it impossible to be objective.
2. Any personal collections and photographs should be stored away. Buyers need to visualize themselves living in your home; your deceased grandmother's antique spoon collection is not going to help!
3. For a 150% return on investment, paint the inside of your homein neutral colors before listing! It's the best way to clean it up and gives the impression of a well cared for home.
4. Fix all the negative distractions- (leaky faucets, running toilets, broken doorbells, torn screens, broken cabinets and doors.) Buyers see flaws before they see the positives and immediately start adding up all the Benjamins it will take to fix these eyesores. 
5. Outdoor space reigns supreme in today market. Highlight and emphasize decks, porches and patios by creating dining and lounge areas. It wouldn't hurt to add some potted plants, outdoor pillows and lanterns. This could be your edge over the competition.
6. Create a natural, clean, fresh smell by grinding up a few lemons or limes in the garbage disposal. Kitchen odor is a big turnoff and it's easy to avoid. In addition, always take out the garbage before showing your home - no explanation needed.
7. Throw out all dusty flower arrangements you bought at the dollar store 10 years ago, including flower swags that went out in the 80's (if they were every in at all.) Real plants are always best, however they do make excellent silk ones that can pass for the real thing. In addition, natural elements are in - think GREEN. Sticks, berries and potted flowers add life to a home making them the perfect accessory.
8. Call a professional home stager to complete the job! They put the cherry on the Sunday by making your 
home rise above and stand out from the competition using furniture placement, defining and updating rooms by accessorizing, while creating continuity and flow throughout your home and highlight its architectural features. In addition, a good home stager knows your neighborhood's demographic and stages accordingly to appeal to the widest range of buyers.
Home Staging Morris County - Kristine Ginsberg - (201)602-2562
When you're looking to sell quickly and for top dollar, Elite Staging and Redesign of Morris County knows how to get the job done right. We will use proven techniques to create warm, inviting, updated spaces that will appeal to the masses. In today's competitive market, every home can use an edge and that's what Elite Staging is all about.
Home Staging Website: Elite Staging and Redesign
Morris County Staging Before/After pictures: Portfolio
Email: Kris@elitestagingandredesign.com
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