As a professional Home Stager it's my job to improve appearance, to create appeal, to highlight potential. Most people are living busy and stressful lives and their homes reflect it. Our homes are set up for our convenience and for our comfort....not to impress others.

Maybe it's been several years since you made any changes and your home needs some updating.

Maybe your hobbies and collections have gotten out of hand and taken over the home.

Maybe you have decided to list your home for sale and the "whatever is most convenient and comfortable for me"  look won't have buyers reaching for their checkbook.

Whether you are selling or you're just ready for a change, I've put together a list of twenty things you can do to help you improve and update the appearance of your home.

 

In no particular order....

20 Ways To Improve Your Home's Appearance Before You List It

 

1.  Clean Like You Have Never Cleaned Before

This is pretty obvious. 

Give your home a complete cleaning. Top to bottom. 

Nothing says "buy me" like mold in the bathtub.

 

 

2.  Clear Off Top And Front Of Refrigerator

Remove all the stuff  from the top of the refrigerator.

Remove all the clutter on the front of the refrigerator.

It's amazing how much of a difference this makes in the appearance of your kitchen.

 

 

3.  Remove Coat Racks

Coat racks and hooks are not only messy in appearance,

they suggest to potential buyers that there is a lack of closet space.

 

 

4. Clear Off Nightstands

Keep it simple....lamp, clock, book and reading glasses.

The master bedroom should have a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

 

 

5.  Remove Extra Storage Cabinets

If you have free standing little cabinets in a room,

it suggests to potential buyers that there is a lack of storage space.

 

 

6.  Apply Fresh Paint

Whether it's covering bold sponge painting like this bedroom,

or removing dated wallpaper....

each room should be freshly painted in a warm, neutral color.

 

 

7.  Clear Kitchen Counters

Buyers can't see the positive features of a kitchen with all this distraction.

A few strategically placed items for color and emotional appeal is all you need.

Above the cabinets is another area to clear.

 

 

8.  Remove Excess Furniture

Too much furniture makes a room appear smaller. 

Just because it fits, doesn't mean it's flattering.

 Buyers want spacious rooms.

 

 

9.  Organize Kitchen Cabinets

Buyers look in closets and cabinets.

Neat and organized suggests the home has been well maintained.

Use this information to your advantage.

 

 

10.  Remove Family Photos

Family photos are distracting, especially when there are a lot of them.

The same is true for trophies, diplomas, awards, etc.

 

 

 

11.  Store Personal Grooming Products Out of Sight

Buyers should be looking at the features of the room

not your toothbrush and deodorant.

Bathrooms are already personal enough without being reminded of it.

 

 

12.  Prepack Your Collections

They may be your pride and joy, 

but collections are distracting and not visually appealing to buyers.

 

 

13.  Remove Pets and all Evidence of Pets

Again...probably your pride and joy....but not helping to sell the house.

Even people who love animals will look at a home differently when

they know pets live there.

Both pets and buyers will be more comfortable if the pets are not present for showings.

 

 

 

14.  Downsize Bookcases and Shelves

Create a more visually appealing bookcase by limiting what's on it.

Removing most of the books and adding a few decorative pieces will remove the visual noise and allow buyers to appreciate the architectural features.

 

 

15.  Limit Toys to Playroom and Child's Room

Rooms should be clearly defined for function.

Keep playsets, baby furniture, and large toys in child's room or playroom.

 

 

16.  Create a Spa Atmosphere In Bathroom

Buy new, thick towels and pretty soaps to create a spa-like atmosphere.

Roll towels and stack neatly.

 

 

17.  Remove Furniture That Doesn't Fit

If furniture has be placed sideways, or extends into a doorway

or partially covers a window...

it's a red flag to buyers that furniture placement is 

an issue in that room.

 

 

18.  Remove Dead Animals

Don't limit your buyer pool to hunters.

Unless you are selling a hunting lodge, buyers will not find them appealing.

 

 

19.  Organize Laundry Room

Don't underestimate the power of an appealing laundry room.

This is an often neglected "bonus" space that can make a lasting positive impression.

Tips for reducing laundry room odors.

 

 

20.  Remove Dated Window Treatments

Just because they were custom and expensive doesn't mean they should stay.

Heavy, dated window treatments make a home feel old.

They block light. They hide valuable architectural features.

 

 

The key to marketing a home is a fairly simpe one....

Give buyers what they want!

With the right price, preparation and presentation you should have a buyer in no time!

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