Dress Your House

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 311291

Dress your house 

You’ve decided to sell your unique home, chosen a top agent, prepared for photography, and set a price.  Of course, you want it to look its best…but how?

Dressing for success is not just for people. 

With some thought and planning, your home can be warm, light, and inviting, no matter how much furniture or clutter.  You’ve heard the saying “Less is more,” especially when preparing your home for the market.

Start with knowing that you probably have too much in all your rooms.  You might plan a neighborhood yard sale, donate to a favorite charity, or rent a Pod or storage locker.  During this time, you must clear out furniture and accessories so that your rooms look as large and inviting as possible.


Maybe ask for help virtually through a stager like our Kathy Streib.  Once you’ve reduced your home contents to a minimum, look at what’s left and think about how to rearrange or replace items for maximum effect.  Now it’s time to open your home to potential buyers.

Many years ago, I watched a talented seller “stage” a house; wow, it made a difference!  She treated it like a set for a play or TV show, placing each piece to the best advantage.  She painted walls and ceilings to open up the rooms with light colors.  She removed and then replaced the caulk in the kitchen and bathrooms.  She visited discount stores and Goodwill for accent pieces to spark the rooms and add character without breaking the budget.                                                            

 And when done, the owners joked that the house looked so lovely they might not sell it after all!  But it was too late by then – they already had several terrific offers.                                                                            

          Have questions about selling your home

                                                               Call Margaret Rome                                                                   

 

Posted by

Margaret Rome
HomeRome Realty
Broker/Owner/Realtor®

Baltimore, Maryland


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Comments (15)

Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 What a great story and so true! 

Apr 10, 2023 12:51 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Always a treat to see you Hannah Williams 

Apr 12, 2023 09:43 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

Appearance does make a difference whether it be a human or a house Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 . Wise advice.

Apr 10, 2023 02:15 PM
Pat Champion
John Roberts Realty - Eustis, FL
Call the "CHAMPION" for all your real estate needs

Great post and valuable information for all sellers to read. I tell my sellers it really is about making the first impression a lasting one you don't get a second chance to make a lasting impression. Thanks for sharing.

Apr 10, 2023 02:48 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Pat Champion, You don't get a second chance to give a first impression.

Apr 12, 2023 09:45 AM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good afternoon Margret,

I had to chuckle when I saw your lead photo. The first thing I noticed when traveling to Italy, Belgium, France and other places was how they hung their laundry outside their flats. I was a little taken back until I realized the small places they live in require this to be done almost on a daily basis and was the charm of these European cities. Spending time to "dress your home" when selling always reaps huge benefits! Its amazing what some creativity, editing and elbow grease can do to make your home stand out from the others.

Apr 10, 2023 02:49 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Love your comment Dorie Dillard Austin TX , that the image brought back memories of your travels.

Apr 12, 2023 09:47 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I totally agree that less is more when selling homes.  I've often told the story about when I bought this current home I'm in 40 years ago.  I was a relatively new agent.  I visited this house at least 3 times before I had the courage to make an offer, because there was so much clutter and disarray that was difficult to divorce my mind from.  Finally, on the last visit, I came in with graph paper, and pen.  I moved a pile of books and magazines on a chair, and began penciling in my furniture to the space on the graph paper.  I made a "To do" list for things that would be required before I could move in.  I realized that once the seller's stuff was removed, there would be plenty of room for mine.  I also realized the house had good bones, a newer roof, and HVAC system.  It essentially, needed interior paint and new carpeting.  Imagine by surprise when I peeled back the carpet on the first day after escrow closed, and found perfect hardwood flooring beneath.

Apr 10, 2023 05:25 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Myrl Jeffcoat, I remember reading about how you sketched your home after three visits for the placement of your belongings. Congratulations on still enjoying your home after forty years.

Apr 12, 2023 09:51 AM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Margaret, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Club group!  

Apr 10, 2023 05:26 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Thanks so much for the feature in OFC, Myrl Jeffcoat 

Apr 12, 2023 09:52 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Margaret- you've made an excellent point. If you think about it, when we decide to sell our car, we get it washed. cleaned out and detail the interior and exterior. Why wouldn't we do at least that for our house!

Apr 10, 2023 07:05 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Kathy Streib, So true. We do detail our cars to sell. Why not do the same with your house?

Apr 12, 2023 09:53 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Margaret, I had to smile with the wording "unique home" that immediately tells me it will be a hard sell and you need all the help you can get from stagers, photographers and even in descriptions:)Endre

Apr 10, 2023 10:37 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Endre Barath, Jr. As you know, I sell many unique homes and love the challenge.

Apr 12, 2023 09:54 AM
Barbara Michaluk
Weichert Realtors | Phone Direct 240-506-2434 | 301-681-0550 office - Silver Spring, MD
Leisure World Specialist / Full Service REALTOR

Hi Margaret,  this is all so true. The first impression could be the only opportunity for a seller to inspire a buyer to make an offer.  Best to dress for success!

Apr 11, 2023 05:15 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Hi Barbara Michaluk, Thanks for your comment about first impressions.

Apr 12, 2023 09:55 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles Pasadena 818.516.4393

Hello Margaret - some choose comfort over other things as they decide on appearance.  And that works fine for them - most of the time.  But when it comes to a real estate transaction - I suggest making first impressions that last longer for a happy closing.  Dressing for success is important.  And please, no flip-flops on this issue.  

Apr 11, 2023 05:37 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Another fine comment by Michael Jacobs 

Apr 12, 2023 09:57 AM
Kat Palmiotti
406-270-3667, kat@thehousekat.com, Broker/REALTOR® - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Yes indeed, the "dressing" can make such a big difference!

Apr 11, 2023 05:43 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Yes, that is so true, Kat Palmiotti 

Apr 12, 2023 09:58 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Home sellers are in very good hands when they seek your professional real estate advice and assistance.

Apr 11, 2023 06:34 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Thank you, Roy Kelley. Enjoy this hot day in Maryland!

Apr 12, 2023 09:59 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Margaret many times it is tough to convince Sellers that less is more when it comes to how a house looks, but it really is.

Apr 11, 2023 02:22 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Always good to see you, George Souto. As agents, we must be convincing to get good photos and find the right buyer.

Apr 12, 2023 10:01 AM
Elyse Berman, PA
LoKation Real Estate - Boca Raton, FL
Boca Raton FL (561) 716-7824

I love how you relate it to dressing your home Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 .  It's a great idea and really helps to sell houses.  When I saw your first photo, it reminded me of the lower east side.

Apr 13, 2023 01:27 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Hi Elyse Berman, PA Good to see you. I owe you a call which I will do this week.

Apr 13, 2023 08:49 PM