Staging Tips: Three Often Overlooked Opportunities

We all know a well staged home should be clean and clutter free. Here are three specific quick and easy tips that will likely apply to most any home going on the market.

Put up a new mailbox. "Why is the mailbox so important?", you might ask. The mailbox is often one of the first things a potential buyer sees when he or she arrives for a visit. In many areas the only address will be presented on the box itself. A faded, dated, or dysfunctional mailbox is an inexpensive and easy fix. It is a nice way to greet potential buyers, and the newness of it suggests the home is well maintained. You will also be sending a message that even the smallest of details are attended to at this residence.

Put a clean filter in the AC system. If it is easily accessible a savvy buyer will pull it out and take a look at it. A clean filter suggests a well maintained home. When we purchased our last home, the inspector pulled out the dirtiest filter I had ever seen. It was so bad the inspector said it would be better for the system if he did not put it back. The home was 18 months old, and my guess is the filter had never been changed. It certainly gave us pause wondering what else the homeowner had neglected. Since the home was relatively new, we felt pretty confident going ahead. An older home would have warranted a much closer inspection.

Clean the front porch. You would be amazed how many homes I have visited homes that were "staged" inside, while the front porch remained neglected. Think about this for a moment. When the potential buyer is standing on your front porch and the agent is unlocking the box, what are they seeing? If it is a dirt and leaf covered porch with spider webs in every corner, you have missed an opportunity to impress the buyer in the beginning. Rent a power washer and give this area a good scrub! Don't forget to look up! These areas are favorite spots for spiders and ("yikes") wasps.

I know I said three, however here is a quick bonus. Put The Seat Down! I have seen online photos with the toilet seat up. Not only is this bad Feng Shui, it is bad manners, so be sure and check this before you run out the door.

For more tips on home staging and for online staging (staging with photos) go to stagedbydreamweavers.com. I can work with you online using your photos no matter where your or you client lives!