Got a home that just won't sell? We have all had those, haven't we? Maybe a little staging could make all of the difference! Maybe your seller thinks and may tell you- I CAN'T AFFORD IT! Really? Can they not? How can they not afford to in today's competitive markets? Here's a few ideas to pass on that are inexpensive or in some cases cost nothing at all. Just a little time and effort involved!
Home Staging=Your home Selling!
Banish the clutter! Put away that collection of I Love Lucy paraphernalia! No, everyone does not like Star Wars action figures! Take down the family photos! A little home staging can go a long way in selling your home for a higher price and shorter time! Think about it...what would you want to see in the house you were thinking about buying? A dozen pictures of junior or a freshly painted neutral wall ready for your favorite picture to be hung?
How's your kitchen look? Are the counters free of clutter and the refrigerator neat or do you have every spice you own and one of every gadget on the counter? Are Suzie's pictures plastered to the fridge with a magnet from each of your favorite restaurants? Although you adore looking at your child's newest creation, the buyer looking at your home may be a little distracted by them!
Take a look at the bathrooms... a few new, fresh towels, mats and nice smelling new soaps can go a long way. Banish the soap scum- would you want to see that in your new home? Make sure the caulking around the tub is fresh and not cracked. Be sure to only keep the cosmetics and toiletries you must have in the cabinets. Clean out and pack up what you can live without. You want it to feel spacious and neat.
The master bedroom... make it feel like a haven! Always make the beds for showings with fresh sheets and comforters. Look around and determine if some of the furniture might need to be stored away. If there is too many pieces of furniture in the room, it may make it feel small. Rearrange if you need to. Be sure carpets are clean and windows sparkle!
Do a mini home inspection of your own! Check for burnt out light bulbs, drippy faucets, cracked caulking, overgrown bushes, etc. Little things make a big difference! How does a buyer know the difference between a fixture being broken or the light bulb being burnt out? They don't! You don't want them to have to wonder about anything. Last but not least, remember the senses... we process our thoughts and remember things based on all 5. Bake cookies, bread or burn candles to make the house smell wonderful. Soft music in the background will also set the mood. Leave on lamps and lights for showings to make the rooms feel bright.
It's necessary to look at a home through the eyes of a prospective buyer and determine what needs to be cleaned, painted, repaired and tossed out. Ask yourself, what would you want to see? If you've looked at your home through a buyer's eyes and decided improvements need to be made, I advise only those improvements that make the property show well, are consistent with the neighborhood and do not involve capital investments, the cost of which cannot be recovered from the sale. Cosmetic improvements such as paint, wallpaper and landscaping help a home "show" better and often are good investments of a minor nature which could help your home sell faster. Mechanical repairs to ensure that all systems and appliances are in good working condition are required to get a top price and to make sure that the home will pass a professional home inspection.
The goal is to show a home that looks good, maximizes space and attracts as many buyers and demand for showings as possible. Happy home selling!
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