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How to Stage a Home
When selling your home, homeowners should take the time to maximize
the potential of their property before listing it. A few cosmetic
changes can go a long way to help your home sell fast, and for more
money: recent studies suggest that this process, known as "staging,"
can increase the sale price of your home by seven to ten per cent.
Remember that buyers normally look at ten to twelve homes in your
price range before making any decision, and they will tend to pick
the nicest, cleanest, and most inviting homes to make an offer on.
What is staging? It's simply the act of arranging your home in a way
that helps the buyer easily imagine themselves living there -
setting the stage for them. Potential buyers don't want to see work
ahead simply to get your home in livable condition (moving is enough
work!), so be sure that the house is spotless inside and out. A
fresh coat of neutral paint is a quick and easy way to brighten a
room and remove traces of your kids’ fingerprints. Minor cosmetic
fixes, such as peeling paint, dirty intake vents and cobwebs should
be taken care of before you ever begin showing. Stop those dripping
faucets. Mulch and weed the flowerbeds.
Think of the mood of each room - help the buyer form an emotional
attachment to your home. You want rooms to appear spacious, so
remove all clutter and anything too personal (personal photos,
posters, fridge decorations, etc.). Maximize counter space in the
kitchen by removing extra appliances, dish racks, etc. Make room in
the closets by packing away out of season clothing. Don’t leave the
bathroom in a clutter.
People want to buy homes, not empty spaces. Every room should
contain furniture, even if the house is vacant. All bedrooms should
contain beds, and in family homes it can help to set up children's
rooms. A new set of cabinet hardware is an inexpensive way to update
your kitchen or bathroom. Brushed metallic finishes can quickly
modernize a room.
Lighting is essential. Open the blinds where possible, add lamps and
increase your wattage in the kitchen and bathrooms. Make sure your
home is warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather - it should be
comfortable for showing even if no one is living there. You want the
space to feel inviting.
Accessorize! Candles, plants, bright throws and pillows are all
inexpensive options to stylize and spruce up dowdy rooms or
furniture. Set your dining room table for a dinner party. Add
freshly cut flowers to the table.
And finally - how does your house smell? Unpleasant odors will
likely scare off potential buyers. Don't smoke in the house while
you are attempting to sell it. Use carpet fresheners. Be diligent
about cleaning your pet's litter box on a daily basis. While some
air fresheners and incense can irritate allergies, essential oils
are usually a safe bet - use a few drops in an oil burner to set the
mood in your home. In the kitchen, boiling a pot of water with
cinnamon sticks can give the room a warm feeling.
A minimum amount of effort and money can transform your property
into a home that sticks in buyer’s minds. Be creative - there are a
variety of television shows and decorating magazines that will help
you find inspiration whatever your budget. Remember, your goal is to
create an atmosphere where potential buyers feel at home.
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