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Staging a Home for Sale vs. Staging a Home for Life-Part II-Driveways

By
Home Stager with Get Staged 2 Sell

First impressions count, right?  As you, your guests or buyers approach your home, chances are the first thing they will see is your driveway.  Is yours clean, clear and free of clutter?  Or is it an obstacle course filled with items that really should be elsewhere?

Your home is your retreat.  Each day when you get home, you should feel relaxed and at ease.  When you turn the corner and get ready to pull into your driveway, are you pleased with what you see?  If not, maybe it is time to give the front of your house a bit of attention.  Start with putting away any tools or toys that may be lying about.  Make sure your hose is put away and not laying across the walkways.  If there is any grass or weeds coming up in the cracks, be sure to pull those.  Clean your driveway and remove any oil or other stains.

Is your address clearly visible?  If not, it may be time to add a new address plate.  Take a walk up to your front door from the street.  Are there any shrubs or bushes that stick out that need to be trimmed? 

If you are preparing your home for sale, you will want to remove your RV's, boats, and other large vehicles that may be stored at your home.  You may be able to store these items at a friend's house (hopefully not the next door neighbor) or you may need to store them at a rental facility while your home is on the market.  Park your own vehicles on the street if possible.  When buyers pull up in front of your house, you want them to envision their cars parked in the driveway.  If they are seeking RV access, let them see it without your RV parked there.

Now that you have the driveway clean and clear, see how you feel next time you come home.  And if your home is getting ready to shown to buyers, make sure they can see the house.  Have the driveway clear so they can get the full view and immediately start picturing themselves in the home.

Part I of this Series-Collections

Show All Comments Sort:
Gary Smith
Agent Marketing Today - Commerce Township, MI
Nickie, very useful information. Could you include a link for part I?
May 02, 2007 01:16 PM
Vicky Carlton
Cincinnati, OH
Comey & Shepherd, Auctioneer - Greater Cincinnati

Great information.  My drive has so many cracks, it just needs an overhaul.

May 02, 2007 01:26 PM
Kathleen Lordbock
Keller Williams Realty Professionals - Baxter, MN
Keller Williams Realty Professionals
I've seen many homes for sale where they also put the RV out in front & try to sell that at the same time - they are enterprising!
May 02, 2007 01:37 PM
Nickie Rothwell
Get Staged 2 Sell - Los Angeles, CA

Thanks Gary, I added the link to Part I of the series.

Yes, it is hard to sell the house when the RV is in front taking priority.  Better to showcase the home and put the RV on a lot to sell.

I've seen where homeowners that have driveways with lots of cracks in them have made the cracks work to their advantage using paint.  I don't think I have the talent myself, but they were able to paint the driveway and work with the cracks to give them a finish that really looked cool and blended with the surrounding landscaping and hardscape.  An idea to consider until you are ready to replace the driveway.

May 02, 2007 02:28 PM
Gary Smith
Agent Marketing Today - Commerce Township, MI

Nickie, thanks I'm lazy.

Wow, RV in the drive trying to sell. Shows desperation to me!

May 03, 2007 02:29 AM