Tips For Staging Your Home to Sale

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The three most important things needed

• De-cluttering
• De-personalizing
• Re-arranging

Home Preparation for Outdoors

• Entry way should be inviting. Makes buyers want to come inside.
• Front door should be in good condition with shiny hardware.
• Have flowers or plant by door and or wreath on door.
• Keep yard and shrubbery cut and well maintained.
• Sweep driveway, walkway, decks and porches.
• Outdoor lighting should be used in case buyers ride by in evening.
• Pressure wash house or sidewalks if needed.
• Garage should be uncluttered and organized. Keep doors down.
• Fresh coat of paint, wherever needed.
• Move all toys, bicycles, etc. away from house into one area.
• Clean all windows. Make them sparkle.
• Make street numbers standout.
• Repair loose shingles.
• Paint, repair and clean out gutters.
• Remove trashcans from out from of the house and walkways.
• Make sure the roof is in good condition.

Home Preparation Basics for Inside

• Get rid of clutter. Less is more.
• Reduce amount of small appliances and other personal items on countertops to two or three.
• Remove all ashtrays.
• Keep all soaps, scouring pads, cleaning supplies, etc. out of sight.
• Organize closets, cabinets and drawers.
• Remove personal collections.
• Make house more spacious.

• Remove excess furniture.
• Remove excess knick knacks and books.
• Remove all but one scatter rug per room.

• Bedrooms should have beds.

• Keep closet doors closed.
• In children’s room, remove all posters but one favorite.

• Expand desirable features

• Show off hardwood floors.
• Show off windows with pretty views. Expose natural light.
• Show off fireplace, gourmet kitchen, built-in shelves, etc.
• Add some life. Live plants and flowers look great, but not if unhealthy.

• Dining tables should look ready for guests.
• Paint walls if dingy or too much personal style (e.g. lime green, orange color).
• Clean windows and appliances inside and out (window coverings as well).
• Have carpets professionally cleaned.
• Eliminate odors as much as possible with fresheners, potpourri, etc.
• If couch or chairs are dingy, disguise them with pillows and/or throws.
• Remove pet food and litter boxes to help eliminate odor.
• Vacuum/mop each morning. All surfaces should be clean and dust free.
• Make sure faucets are drip free.
• Make sure the temperature inside your home is comfortable during showings.
• Play mood music.
• Have mood lighting, make sure house is well lit and all bulbs are working.
• Open drapes and blinds, and turn on all the lights.