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First impressions... you only have one chance to make a good or a bad one. First impressions are lasting impressions; very rarely could you redeem yourself if it's bad. So go ahead and heed the saying, 'Dress to impress'.
It's no different in a house. Home staging simply put is 'dressing' your house for successful sale! Luckily if you're not up to cleaning up or decorating your house, these days you or your Realtor can use the services of a cleaning company and/or home staging professional.
Home staging need not be expensive. It's something anybody can do with these simple tips, yet usually passed up by sellers thus jeopardizing the marketing of their home.
- Clean up. Be serious about selling your home. Prepare and make your home ready to take pictures of and show. I marvel at how I see pictures of homes in the MLS with clothes, dishes, toys, etc. strewn all over. I feel embarrassed showing buyers houses with dirty toilets and mildew-laden showers!
- Remove clutters. This is especially true for smaller houses. Clear counter-tops, tables, entertainment center, remove fridge magnets. If there is stuff you simply have attachments with, either put them in storage while your house is on the market or be smarter and more creative in storing them in the house. There are decorative furnitures that double as storage, like coffee tables, trunks or wicker furnitures. This is a big thing. Cluttered houses give an impression to the buyer that they don't have enough space for their own stuff, even if they really have less.
- Let there be light. Whether it be opening windows, bulbs or lamps, light makes for a brighter and lighter feel and impression. It also creates an impression of bigger space, especially if you've done the first two steps above. It also brings out better pictures for marketing your home.
- Re-evaluate your furnitures & the rooms' lay-out. Over-sized furnitures don't show well in small spaces. It doesn't necessarily mean you have to get rid of any, but maybe just temporarily storing or re-arranging them. Over-sized dining table for example, with a huge china cabinet - the cabinet may have to be removed or stored. Here is where a staging specialist may come in handy. These professionals have their own furnitures they use to design your home.
- Highlight the room of its intended use. Don't put a computer or work station in the formal dining. It confuses the buyers who would wonder if the house even has a formal dining to put their own dining table.
- Choose paint carefully. I know we have our own tastes and preferences but there are some standard guidelines we could adhere to especially as it relates to space. Dark colors are not appealing in smaller spaces, as the dark color tends to 'swallow' up the space. Light to medium would look better. If you are unsure, it won't hurt to ask, you may be surprised at how even your paint salesperson can help you with this simple tip.
Your Realtor is your partner in selling your home for the best value & staging it helps reach that goal. I could be that ally you are looking for. Call me so we can stage your house to sell!
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