Grab That Buyer and Keep Them!

Staging Tips

1. Grab them from the curb.
Sometimes buyers like doing drive-bys before deciding whether to request a showing or attend an open house. Make these potential buyers fall in love with your home by Curb Appeal!  Add potted plants and flowers, power-washing driveways, walkways, weed the garden, prune the shrubs and mow the lawn. It's your first chance to make a good impression, so make it count.

2. Make it sparkle.
Think hotel clean. Mop, dust, vacuum, wash windows, baseboards, cupboards... Remember that people may look in your cupboards, under your sinks and in your closets.  Also, pay particular attention to odors. You might consider consulting a neutral nose - have your Realtor come by for a smell test.

3. Pay attention to color and light.
Too-bright colors turn buyers off. Neutralize strong colors for the broadest appeal. A neutral home appears larger and has less chance of offending someone. Open up blinds and draperies to make sure there's sufficient natural light throughout the home. Lighting is the most effective way to set a mood.

4. Depersonalize.
Buyers need to see your home, not your stuff.  Excessive personal items like photos, collections, personal awards, electronics and collectibles will make it difficult for buyers to imagine themselves, and their stuff, in your space.

5. Consider replacing furnishings.
Think about removing or replacing worn or outdated furnishings and get rid of extra pieces.  New towels displayed in the bathrooms will give a fresh, clean look.  Consider consulting with a professional staging company for design direction and advice or higher a Realtor who is a Stager.

6. Invest in new artwork.                                                                                           If you have a lot of empty walls displaying new artwork is a great way to breathe new life into a room.  There are stores that have inexpensive wall art that can bring color and warmth to a room.

7. Make repairs.
Repair squeaky doors, chipped or smudged paint as well as broken fixtures and fittings that you've neglected.

8. Apply a fresh coat of paint.
It's the best bang for your buck that will quickly refresh a dull, dated room. Choose a beige or taupe for living spaces and a neutral green or blue for bathrooms.

9. Don't forget the floors.
Clean or get rid of worn carpets, and consider refinishing shabby hardwood floors. An inexpensive new area rug is a quick fix and can disguise the look of old floors.

10. Spring for new light fixtures.
Renew the look of the room by replacing old or dated light fixtures, door hardware, light switches and outlets. If it's tacky and older than you, get rid of it.