Staging Tips for Sellers

STAGING TIPS FOR SELLERS 

Curb appeal is important.  You have to get people out of the car.  Once you've done that, people want to know that you have taken care of the house. Finally, people will try to envision their own belongings in your house.  Pay attention to condition and color of walls, light fixtures, flooring, window treatments, and landscaping.  Make a list of items to improve on.

Entrance

• Consider painting/staining the front door.
• Ensure that all hardware on front door is clean and attractive.
• Replace any old or torn screen doors.
• Add fresh flowers or a plant to the foyer area of the house.

Front Yard

• Keep grass trimmed.
• Rake leaves, pick up debris.
• Apply weed killer if needed.
• Plant flowers to add color.
• Put away lawn and garden equipment, including the garden hose.
• Put away children's toys and any other clutter.

Walls

• Repair any holes (other than nail holes for current wall décor).
• Consider painting walls a neutral color; it helps buyers visualize their own belongings in the house.

Carpets

• Make sure they are clean. 
• If they are not in good condition and you have good hardwood floors underneath, consider removing the carpeting.
• If they are not in good condition and you do not have hardwood underneath, consider replacement.

Window treatments

• Take down anything worn or dated and consider replacing with neutral, inexpensive window coverings or blinds. 
• Open window coverings before showings - natural light is a selling point.
• Living and Family Rooms
• Remove excess furniture so potential buyers can easily walk around the room.  Put toys away. 
• Consider replacing dated or showy light fixtures with something simple.

Bedrooms

• Remove unnecessary furniture. 
• Clean out closets so they appear neat and roomy. 
• Replace dated or worn bedding with something neutral and inexpensive. 
• Add throw pillows.

Bathrooms

• Thoroughly clean all bathrooms every day. 
• Consider replacing the shower liner, the shower curtain, and the toilet seats.
• Pull the shower curtain half way back - it will add about 2 feet to the room.
• Keep toilet paper dispensers full (Yes, people will use your bathrooms).
• If tile grout is stained or mildewed clean or re-grout. 
• Remove rugs and coverings around the toilet. 
• Put away your toiletries.

Kitchen

• Make the kitchen as clean as possible.
• Replace stained or worn flooring.
• Remove small appliances and clutter from countertops.
• Make eating areas seem roomier by removing leaves or chairs from the table.
• Sweep and/or mop the floor every day.
• Wipe down countertops and appliances every day.
• Consider new hardware for cabinets.

Dining Room

• Make the room seem larger by removing leaves or chairs from the table.
• Remove excess furniture.
• If you have heavily patterned wallpaper, consider removing it and painting with a neutral color.
• Ensure that china cabinets are clean and contents are clean.