Staging Tips: Room-By-Room Analysis

Of all the things homeowners can control when selling their home, the condition of the property is one of the most important. In order to compete effectively with other sellers, homeowners must present their homes to the marketplace in an attractive, desirable condition. When you bought your home, you probably comparison shopped. Well, buyers are still doing that today. According to the National Association of Realtors, the average purchaser looks at 18 properties prior to purchasing a home. Regardless of how many properties are on the market, available buyers will always seek the best priced property that is in the best condition.  

As Your Agent, I am also an Accredited Staging Professional (ASP TM) and will help you stage your home to highlight your home’s assets so that your house will sell for top dollar in the shortest amount of time!  

The Exterior:

  • Although often ignored, the exterior of your home (curb appeal) may be the most important area to focus on! This is the first thing a potential buyer sees and will create their first impression of the home. Potential buyers driving by or viewing your home on the internet will decide whether or not to further investigate (by viewing additional pictures on the internet or calling for a viewing) by the exterior of the home.
  • Check your home for any needed maintenance just as a buyer would. Repaint or touch up as necessary. Don’t let the outside turn buyers off before the inside turns them on.
  • Plant some flowers or simply add a tub of geraniums, a pot of petunias or a basket of impatiens on the front step to create a welcoming touch.
  • During the winter months consider using a wreath of dried flowers on the front door or an attractive milk can on the porch.
  • Check to see that doors and windows are in good working order. Give special attention to your home’s front entry and exterior doors. Remember, first impressions are likely to remain lasting impressions.
  • Replace any broken or cracked window panes and screens.
  • Check for loose or missing shingles. Clean out gutters and downspouts.
  • Invest in a new “Welcome Mat”.
  • Make sure the yard is neatly mowed, raked and edged.
  • Prune and shape shrubbery and trees to compliment your house.
  • Add an inch or two of bark mulch to beds and around shrubs and trees.
  • It is important to devote at least one area of your yard to outdoor living. Buyers will recognize a scene set with lawn furniture and barbeque equipment and will respond positively to it.  

The Driveway:

  • Remove all clutter including the children’s toys.
  • The surface of your driveway should be beyond reproach. It is one of the first things a buyer will see when he drives up. Sweep and wash the driveway and walks, removing all debris, stains and dirt.

The Front Entry: 

  • This part of your home deserves special attention. Virtually any entry hall will benefit from a well-placed mirror to enlarge an area.
  • The entry hall closet is the first one inspected. Hang a bag of cedar chips or a pomander ball to give it a pleasant, fresh scent.

Living Areas:

  • Your job is to make each room generate a positive response. Add touches that make a room look truly inviting. To be effective, any stage setting that you create should reflect the character of your entire home appropriately.
  • Remove extra leaves in your dining room table to enlarge the room. Set the dining room table with an attractive flower arrangement and fine china.
  • The kitchen continues to be the heart of the home. A pleasant working kitchen is near the top of most buyers’ list of priorities and is a room that will be closely scrutinized.
  • Avoid clutter. Clean counters of small appliances to maximize working space. All appliances should be clean, bright, sparkling and shiny.
  • Create the aromas associated with happy homes. Bake some pre-mixed, refrigerated cookie dough or pop a frozen apple pie in the oven.
  • If you have a countertop eating space, consider setting out attractive place settings with coordinating napkins and placemats.

Stairways:

  • Make sure the stairs are safe and free from debris.
  • If you have a wide, gracious staircase, emphasize this feature by hanging a few pictures along the walls. If the staircase is narrow, fool the eye by minimizing clutter.

Bedrooms: ·

  • Imagine for a moment that you are in the Bed and Breakfast business. Naturally you would make up your beds with your prettiest linens and comforters. Maybe you would add a vase of flowers on the dressing table or a cozy armchair in the corner.
  • Large master bedrooms are popular among today’s buyers. Make your bedroom appear larger by adding light and minimizing clutter. Aim for a restful, subdued look.
  • Virtually all buyers are looking for a home with plenty of closet space. Try to make what you have, appear generous and well planned. Arrange all shelves to maximize the use of space.

Laundry Room:

  • Organize all closets and storage areas.
  • Remove all dirty laundry.
  • Clean and polish the washer and dryer.
  • Consider adding an attractive throw rug.

Bathrooms:

  • Make sure it is immaculate.
  • Replace worn or dirty shower curtains.
  • Clean and repair caulking.
  • Clear off countertops and store all personal care products out of sight.
  • Repair any faucets that leak or do not function properly.
  • A gentle hint of fragrance in the air is fine, but keep it subtle.

Garage:

  • Organize tools and garden equipment.
  • If your garage is small and only accommodates one car, remove your car before buyers visit. An empty garage always looks larger.
  • Clear off and organize your workbench.

Attic:

  • Spruce up your attic.
  • Remove the mousetraps and install bright lights.
  • Get rid of anything that you don’t plan to move to your new home.