Guide to Staging

Let's face it, most homeowners believe the moment their home hits the market it will sell immediately. Since they love their house, others must too, right?

Wrong!

This article will help you stage your home in a manner that appeals to as many potential buyers as possible, ultimately, making your home sell as fast and for as much money as possible.

The information provided herein is not meant to make you feel more at home; it is intended to do just the opposite. At this stage, it is the buyers who need to feel at home in your house-to feel as if they could make your house their home.

If you are committed and motivated to sell your home quickly, you must make potential buyers see the benefits of buying your home over someone else's-what makes your home better than other homes on the street? The neighborhood? The city?

We understand that keeping your home in pristine condition during the selling process can be an inconvenience. Remember-the sooner your home sells, the sooner you can return to your normal lifestyle. So put your best foot forward and show that your home really is the superior choice.


1. Curb Appeal: Getting started on the right foot.

Most buyers see the care of the outside of the home as a reflection of how the home was cared for on the inside. If the outside appearance is neglected (the grass needs to be mowed, the shutters painted, the gutters cleaned, etc.) they may pass on your house before ever stepping foot inside of it. This is because of a perception about the home's maintenance-if the outside has been neglected, then the inside has probably been neglected too. Make sure that buyers don't pass on your home due to lack of curb appeal.

Curb appeal is also a great way to stand apart from other homes and gain a coveted place on a buyer's "short list." Walking into your home first, instead of another's, could make the difference between getting your house sold quickly and having it sit on the market.

The good news: There are many easy and inexpensive solutions to increase your home's curb appeal!

Curb Appeal Checklist:

-- Mow and edge the grass
-- Remove weeds from flowerbeds, walkways, etc
-- Prune/remove overgrown shrubs and trees
-- Clean gutters, rake leaves, remove any debris
-- Remove toys, bikes, and any other items from the yard
-- Roll up the hose
-- Pressure wash the exterior (hose attachments are available at home improvement stores)
-- Buy a new doormat
-- Put the RV, boat, etc. in storage
-- Give the shutters, door, trim, garage door a new coat of paint
-- Replace or paint worn light fixtures
-- Replace or paint worn house numbers
-- Replace or paint worn mailboxes
-- Repair any broken fencing, stain/paint the fence
-- Plant a few flowers (either in pots or in the ground) to add color and draw attention to your home

When a buyer drives past your house, they should be able to see it clearly. Make them want to stop the car and peer in the windows!!

First impressions are crucial. A bad first impression can ruin a sale!

2. Inside the Home: Now that you've caught their interest...

Now that a buyer wants to see the inside of your home (nice work on that curb appeal!), it is time to show them why your home is the best on the block. This is where the "WOW factor" really counts.

For most sellers this is usually the most challenging part, as it can be difficult to see your home through a stranger's eyes. We know you love your house, and everything in it. Just remember that you are selling your home, not the things in it. And as much as you may love the rooster collection in the kitchen, or the curios on the bookshelf, they'll probably have to be put away before a buyer enters the home.

How to WOW:

Make the home seem larger than it really is.
Impress buyers by making the inside of the home look larger than the outside. In general, similar colors make a room look larger and contrasting colors make it look smaller. Dark walls can make a room seem to "close in" on you. To make any room look bigger, lighten dark wall colors with a neutral coat of paint, and furnish/accessorize it with similar shades. Also, an organized space looks larger than an unorganized space. Stage your home so that each area has a purpose and items within those spaces are orderly. Having a desk in the kitchen may be great for you, but replacing it with a breakfast table will look better to buyers. A well planned and organized home will help put buyers at ease.

Make the home appear move-in ready
Not everyone can see past minor imperfections to see the home's potential and they will usually overestimate the cost of repairs. When a buyer walks into the home, they should imagine themselves living in it, not fixing it up. Maintaining an advantage over other homes on the market can be as simple as getting the carpets cleaned, the walls painted, repairing a running faucet or toilet, or replacing a broken drawer-pull on a cabinet. Investing a little time and little money will go far at this stage.

Accentuate the home's assets
Let your house speak for itself. Depersonalize each room-removing photos and other personal items. This allows a buyer to picture him/herself in the home. Clutter can also distract a buyer from seeing the home's assets. A fireplace is great, but if it gets lost underneath personal mementos it will lose its impact. Remove your personal belongings; rent a storage unit, portable pod, or borrow space in a friend's garage for your packed belongings (your garage needs to be free of all non-necessities). A buyer should be presented with the home's exceptional qualities; they shouldn't have to go looking for them.

You only have one chance to make an impression. Make sure it's a great one!

General checklist:

-- Stick to neutral tones in all improvements. The goal is to make your home as appealing to as wide an audience as possible.
-- Clear the clutter, remove personal photos and objects. Pack up anything that you can live without until after you move.
-- Create spaces with a purpose.
-- Paint walls a neutral color.
-- Clean carpets.
-- Wash windows and open all window coverings to allow natural light to enter.
-- Light a candle or bake something to make the home smell inviting.
-- Fresh flowers and live plants add life to a room. (Faux flora does not.)

The entryway

Keep the entryway clear and free of shoes, coats, mail, and other clutter. Adding an entry table with a vase of fresh flowers is always a welcoming sight for visitors.

-- Make sure the door opens smoothly and quietly.
-- Clear the clutter.

The living room

Again, pack/put away as much "stuff" as you can, i.e. collections, toys, electronics, and knick-knacks. This can include furniture too, especially if it impedes traffic flow. Create a focal point (and please don't make it the TV). Fireplaces, picture windows, or large pieces of furniture, like an armoire, all make great focal points. Again, fresh flowers make a great impression.

-- Clear the clutter.
-- Remove excess furniture.
-- Create an interesting focal point.

The kitchen

They say that kitchens sell homes. Use this knowledge to your advantage. Make it look like you have large preparation and cooking areas. Pack/put away as many things on the counters as possible; one countertop appliance (coffee maker, toaster, etc) per counter is plenty. If you have tile countertops, an inexpensive way to make them look new is to replace the grout. If you have laminate, make sure it is stain free. Replacing the countertops may be in your best interest (ask your real estate agent). You may also want to consider painting the cabinets if they are too dark or outdated (again, ask your agent). If you have any money to spend on renovations, this is the place to invest it.

-- Clear the clutter.
-- Remove items from countertops.
-- Remove all items from the outside surface of fridge (magnets, drawings, postcards, etc.)
-- Replace old cabinet pulls.
-- Clear clogged or slow-running drains.
-- Repair any leaking plumbing.
-- Paint dark or outdated cabinets.
-- Clean, repair, or replace counter tops.
-- Clean, clean, clean (Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser® works great in the kitchen!)

The master bedroom

Make this room look like a relaxing hotel suite. Paint/replace/remove mismatched bedroom furniture. Make the bed, buying or borrowing new bedding-neutral, soothing tones work best. Organize your closet-yes, buyers will look there too. If closet space is at a premium in this room, pack some of the contents to make it appear larger.

-- Clear the clutter.
-- Paint/replace/remove mismatched furnishings.
-- Make the bed, replacing the bedding, if necessary.
-- Organize closets and drawers.
-- Pack up the TV, stereo and other electronics in this room.
-- Remove any other items that do not belong in a bedroom.

Additional bedrooms

All other bedrooms should appear well organized and clutter free (see above). A guest room should appear as such. Pack up and remove items that do not belong. If you have children, make their rooms appeal to buyers who may not. Paint any walls that have bold colors or have marks that cannot be removed. Again, the goal here is to make the home "move in" ready for anyone.

-- Clear the clutter.
-- Paint/replace/remove mismatched furnishings.
-- Make the bed, replacing the bedding if necessary.
-- Organize closets and drawers.
-- Pack up the TV, stereo and other electronics.
-- Remove any items that do not belong in a bedroom.

The office

Clean off the desk! Make the office look like a place someone could actually get work done. File papers, shred unneeded documents, pack books and other items that you can live without until you move into your new home.

-- Clear the clutter.
-- Clean off the desk or working space.
-- File, shred, throw out files.
-- Remove items that are temporarily unnecessary and/or that don't belong in an office.

The dining room

The goal here is to help the buyer imagine having family dinners and dinner parties in this space. Set the table as if you were having special company. If your table has seen better days, buy a tablecloth, sticking to a solid and neutral color. Cloth napkins also give an air of sophistication to a place setting. Remove any excess furniture (hutches, sideboards, china cabinets, etc) from the room, especially if it impedes traffic.

-- Clear the clutter.
-- Set the table.
-- Remove excess furniture.

The bathrooms

Make this room sparkle! Organize vanity cabinets. Show that there is plenty of room to store bathroom necessities.

-- Remove excess items from bathtub, shower and sink areas.
-- Organize vanity cabinets.
-- Clear clogged or slow-running drains.
-- Repair any leaking or running plumbing.
-- Repair/replace discolored or missing grout and caulking.
-- Clean all surfaces and empty trash.

Closets, storage spaces, and garages

Start packing! There is nothing worse for a buyer (or a seller) than not being able to see how much storage a home has. Make sure these spaces are not overflowing with things that can be packed up or given way. This is a great time to go through things you may no longer want or need. Charitable organizations will appreciate your donations, and you'll avoid the effort of packing lots of extra boxes. Whatever does remain in these spaces, keep it organized.

-- Donate items no longer needed.
-- Pack and remove items that will not be used until after your move.
-- Organize remaining items to maximize space.
-- Give the garage a "once-over", removing cobwebs and sweeping floors.

Pets

Remember, just because you love your animals, doesn't mean a buyer will. Do not leave your pet wandering the house while the home is being shown. Put away any pet paraphernalia (toys, bowls, etc). Also, make sure any pet hair or odor has been removed from the home. A buyer may be allergic or pet-averse and this could make them go running for the door.

-- Place your pet in a carrier, in a side yard or take it with you during a buyer's walk-through.
-- Put away feeding bowls, toys, beds, etc.
-- Remove pet hair and odors from the home.

3. The backyard

Like the front and inside of the home, buyers want to see this area has been well maintained. A buyer shouldn't be making a "things to do" list when they walk outside. A well cared for yard can give you an advantage over other homes on the market.

-- Mow and edge the grass.
-- Remove weeds from flowerbeds, walkways, etc.
-- Prune/remove overgrown shrubs and trees.
-- Clean gutters, rake leaves, remove any debris.
-- Remove toys, bikes, and any other items from the yard.
-- Roll up the hose.
-- Pressure wash the exterior (hose attachments are available at home improvement stores).
-- Give the shutters, door, trim, garage door a new coat of paint.
-- Replace or paint worn light fixtures.
-- Repair any broken fencing, stain/paint the fence.

4. The big day

Finally, whenever the home is being shown, make it a point to not be present. Being at home while it is being shown makes buyers uncomfortable, which is exactly what we have been trying to prevent! Don't take it personally - it is in your best interest. An uncomfortable buyer will rush through the house, neglect to ask questions, avoid raising concerns, and even withhold positive feedback. To make a long story short, uncomfortable buyers rarely make offers. So go for a walk, see a movie, or go to visit friends-be anywhere but home when buyers are walking through it.