| What is Home Staging? | | | | as possible. Consider a fresh coat of paint on the |
| Staging a home is simply "detailing" your home to | | | | front door and perhaps a pot or two of flowers. |
| sell it, in order to ensure it will appeal to the | | | | Make sure your roof is in good shape. If |
| maximum number of potential buyers. The goal is | | | | necessary, paint exterior walls and replace |
| for buyers to imagine themselves living in your | | | | damaged or loose shutters, shingles, and bricks. |
| home, since buying a home is a very emotional | | | | Interior |
| decision. With today's busy lifestyles, few buyers | | | | Your entryway should be bright, clean and |
| have the time or inclination to take on a | | | | inviting. |
| "fixer-upper". Your home should shine, inside and | | | | Your kitchen and bathrooms should sparkle at |
| out, if you want to sell it quickly for top dollar. | | | | all times. This can be a burden; if you don't have |
| If the home you are selling is vacant, staging is | | | | cleaning help, consider it during this critical |
| also very important. Many buyers have a hard | | | | marketing period. |
| time imagining what a vacant home will look like | | | | Unpleasant odors (smoking, pet-related, |
| when it's furnished. A professional home stager | | | | refrigerator, etc.) will turn buyers off immediately. |
| can help you rent and place furniture to help you | | | | Be certain that your home smells fresh and clean |
| appeal to buyers for a quicker sale. Staging leads | | | | before prospective buyers arrive. Some agents |
| the buyer's eye to attractive features while | | | | suggest temporarily boarding animals. |
| minimizing flaws. A home stager will offer | | | | Eliminate clutter, including closets, cellar and |
| suggestions on sprucing up your home. Don't take | | | | garage. Prepare for your move by donating |
| this personally; view it as objective marketing | | | | excess items to charity. |
| advice. | | | | Open shades and drapes to maximize light. |
| The ideal time to stage is before the listing goes | | | | Clean carpeting and windows thoroughly. |
| up or the sign goes out. You only get one chance | | | | If you decide to repaint or re-carpet, choose |
| to make a first impression. | | | | soft, neutral tones. |
| Consider the following: | | | | Replace burned-out light bulbs and repair any |
| Exterior | | | | faulty switches. Correct crooked light fixtures. |
| Your lawn should be well manicured. Trim | | | | Repairs and Improvements |
| trees and shrubs and remove lawn debris. In the | | | | It's important to make minor repairs but discuss |
| winter, make sure your driveway and walkways | | | | any major improvements with your agent and/or |
| are free of ice and snow. | | | | stager. Some might not add enough value to your |
| Make the entrance to your home as inviting | | | | home to justify the expense. |