Here are my quick and easy staging tips... all with absolutely no cost, just a little time and effort.
1. CLEAN - Most buyers have a hard time forgetting the dirt and grime they saw when viewing a home. Dirt & grime mean low offers! The buyers also wonder what other necessary maintenance may have been delayed. Take a broom and sweep away any cobwebs on the outside of the front door. While the agent is opening up the lockbox, the buyers are standing there getting their first impression of the home.
2. DECLUTTER - Throw away all the newspapers, magazines, etc. Go through mail and file it or put it in a drawer. If you collect something, say southwestern pottery, put away at LEAST 50-75% of your collection. You don't want your home to be known as the "Southwest Pottery House." The buyers must be able to imagine their own sense of style in the home. And, hopefully you'll be moving soon... you'll need to pack anyway!
3. CLOSETS - If your stuff barely fits in the closets, pack it up! When a buyer opens the closet door, you don't want them thinking, "If their stuff has to be packed in here, will my stuff fit?" You want them to think, "Hey, look at all the closet space they have!"
4. KITCHEN - One appliance ONLY on the kitchen counter. If you have a coffee pot, toaster, bread machine, microwave, etc., choose one! Put the rest away. Put away soap, sponges, and dishrags. Take all the magnets off the refrigerator.
5. DINING ROOM - If you have a leaf in your table, take it out! Buyers will think your home is much more spacious. Put the extra chairs in the corners of the dining room or in storage.
6. WINDOWS - Clean your windows and take off the screens... especially if you have a view! It's a secret of model homes and it works. Your windows will let in about 5-10% more light and the view will be crisp and clear! Open those blinds and curtains and let the light in!
7. FURNITURE - Any furniture in your home that you find yourself always bumping into? It's probably because it's not in the right spot. Clear out hallways and entryways so they feel more spacious. If you bump into it, your buyers will too. It will make your home feel smaller if the buyers are running into the furniture!
8. TIDY UP BEFORE YOU LEAVE - Wake up 5-10 minutes earlier and make your bed, put your towels away, and make sure all the dishes are put away and sinks are clean. Wipe down counters.
9. MISCELLANEOUS - Change out burnt light bulbs. Put an air freshener in your home, either something that smells like baked goods, or something that smells light and fresh. If you can hear some road noise from your home, turn your furnace fan ON. Leave it running. It won't hurt anything and it makes just enough white noise that people won't notice it and won't hear the outside noise. Works great for condos and townhomes with shared walls!
If you have more that needs to be done, consult a professional stager. These tips will at least get you started!
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