Obviously every house needs to be staged to it's own unique potential but I have put together a few guidelines I think most any seller can follow that most buyers and agents will agree helps homes look their best.
Feel free to copy and paste anything below, a few statements were pulled from other websites and others are I created.
Here is what I have put together from my own experience and searching through the web for good ideas. What would you like to add?
I would love to work with or meet a professional stager in the Middle Tennessee area to have assist my clients!
Entry Way
- Fresh new welcome mat, so your visitors can wipe their feet!
Living Areas
- In general, a sparsely decorated home helps buyers mentally ‘move in’ with their own things.
- Purge the living room of family photos and personal items that say "you don't live here" to potential buyers. Design and stage the living room so that other people can see themselves in it.
- Many times homeowners have too much furniture in a room. When it comes to selling your home, thin out overcrowded rooms to make the rooms appear larger.
- Reduce the amount of pictures on walls.
- Paint walls that need refreshing.
- Clean all the windows, drapes and blinds.
- Keep books, DVDs, games, etc., on shelves limited.
- Keep electric cords and game consoles neatly presented.
- Keep floors vacuumed. If carpet is stained, replace it.
The Master Suite & Bedrooms
- Create a sitting area in the master bedroom if space allows
- Make the closets seem larger by emptying them of “Out of Season” Clothing (Remove clothes so closets never look “Stuffed” or “Packed”)
- Keep closets organized showing as much closet floor space as possible.
- Eliminate any unnecessary furniture; buyers want to see large bedrooms.
- Ceiling fans are a nice bonus for buyers.
- Neutral Wall Colors are best.
- Always make beds nice and neatly presented.
Bathrooms
- Having a clean bathroom is a must.
- Remove any unnecessary items from the countertops, tub, shower stall and commode top.
- Keep only the most necessary cosmetics, brushes, perfumes, etc., in one small group on the counter or store them underneath the vanity.
- Coordinate fresh clean towels in one or two colors only.
Kitchen
- Pay extra attention to cleaning areas such as the sink, stove and counter tops.
- Polish the fixtures, scrub baseboards, dust fans, and replace light bulbs.
- Organize the pantry, cabinets and drawers as neat as possible. Having them neat and organized will help show them off as having lots of space and storage.
- Create as much counter space as possible, Put the counter appliances in cabinets (Coffee Pot, Can opener, toaster, blender etc.)
- Be sure to use new kitchen towels and fresh flowers in your decorating.
The Garage
- Having a neat and organized garage can make a huge difference in selling your house. Buyers want a garage that looks large.
- Use pegboard and wall mounts for regularly used items.
- The floor of the garage should be clean. Pressure Wash and or Paint to get rid of stains. Also a fresh coat of neutral color paint on the walls will help.
- Rent a storage unit for extra items.
Outside Tips
- The first impression, or ‘curb appeal,’ is very important.
- Check the condition of the paint on your home, especially the trim and the front door.
- Remove any dead plants, weed all planting areas and flower beds.
- Put down fresh mulching material. Mulch is your best friend when trying to boost your curb appeal.
- Keep your lawn freshly cut, edged and fertilized during the growing season.
- Clear the patios and decks of all small items.
- If you have wood railings, consider giving them a fresh coat of paint.
Tips for Showing
- While your home is on the market always do a final walk through before you leave. Some buyers and their agents won’t give you much notice for showings.
- Keep all lamps and or a light on in most rooms.
- Play light music throughout the house.
- If you have pets, take them with you if you can. If not, leave detailed instructions on where they will be. If you have a litter box, keep it cleaned and out of sight.
- Always plan on giving buyers at least 45 Minutes to view your home.
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