Well, as a full time Realtor, I list homes for sale all the time. This time however was very different because it was my turn, I would be selling my own home. I can now say that I have full empathy for my clients as they prepare to list their home.
When you decide to make a move, the first thing you want to do is talk with a Realtor. Make sure you list with a Realtor that has a great stager as part of their team. Just because you list, doesn’t mean you have to be ready to go on the market that day or even the next. Many of my sellers list with me, then we work together with the stager to get the house ready to show. You want to put your best foot forward, even if it takes a few weeks to actually go on the market. Listen to your Realtor and to your stager, they know how to get your home sold.
I personally provide up to 4 hours with my stager. Most of my buyers choose to have her come out for a 1 hour consultation to make them a honey-do list, then have her come back out to make the final touches. I have even had some clients hire my stager to shop for light fixtures and home accessories for them. You aren’t just hiring a Realtor, but their resources as well.
I followed all my stagers advice, even some that I wasn’t as excited about. We scrubbed the tile grout (that wasn’t so white anymore), painted the master bedroom & bath, re-arranged furniture, removed personal pictures, and cleaned out closets.
Here are some quick staging tips:
1. Light and floor space = $$$. Clean everything off the closet floors.
2. Create the fantasy home (model home) – use relaxing colors (especially for the master bed/bath – think beach and/or spa), create the look of spaciousness by making sure there is still plenty of room in the closets, pantry, cabinets, and shelves. Nothing should look full.
3. Curb appeal & first impressions – make sure the landscaping is neatly trimmed, mailbox clean & freshly painted, and front porch clean & freshly painted. Check the door locks & light fixtures and make sure any that are tarnished are replaced.
I took my own advice and listened to my stager. My home sold quickly.
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