Staging Your Home to Sell

Staging your home is a crucial part of the home selling process. Although many say staging is optional – it really isn’t! Selling a house is one of the biggest financial transactions the average individual takes part in, and no one wants to lose out on potentially thousands of dollars because they did not take the time to set their home up to be aesthetically appealing to a potential buyer. Here are some ways you can spruce up your home and maximize profits.

Curb appeal is king but ends up being overlooked and can really impact the first impressions of potential buyers. Before doing anything, be sure to do a swift drive-by to see just what specific sprucing-ups your home needs. Then:

• Be sure to wash the home’s sidewalks and stairs, as they can get supremely grimy in short notice.
• Wipe down the windows and any glass paneling.
• Stain or repaint the deck, giving it an even, cover-all coat.
• Mow the lawn, and don’t forget to trim the hedges and replace any wilting greenery.

• Clean the dirty dishes in your kitchen sink, and place them in cupboards, away from plain sight. There should be no pots or pans left on the stovetop.
• Have you considered investing in new appliances? It may be a bit pricey but matching stainless steel kitchenware will really make the room pop and dazzle!
• Absolute no fridge magnets or personal items. Your kitchen needs to look as impersonal as possible.
• Organize the pantry, cupboards, and any storage closets. Also, clear your oven of any clutter. Buyers will on occasion inspect the inside of these storage spots, and the last thing you want is for glassware or otherwise to topple onto your buyer.

• Make all beds and leave no pillow without a case. Each bedroom should have a different color theme, but the master bedroom should be gender-neutral in color. That means no hot pinks or all black everything; aim for light grey or white bedsheets, and put away any excessively feminine or masculine items, like a chaise in the shape of a stiletto, or baseball jerseys framed on the walls.
• Open those closets – it makes your bedrooms look inviting. Be sure to clean up and organize clothing.
• Tie back your curtains and let the light shine through. Ample lighting in a room can make or break your sale.
• Dust, dust, dust! Natural light can expose if a room is dusty. Break out your duster and go to town.

• Match your furniture to add an aesthetic boost to the room. If, for instance, the couch has any holes or flaws, cover it up with a throw – they’re cheap and will save you from further embarrassment.
• Wipe down the walls and furniture; no one likes having a cloud of dust suddenly surround them when sitting on a loveseat.
• Remove any unnecessary large items to maximize space. Remember, there’s going to be a lot of foot traffic, and no one likes a crowded room.

• Remove all shampoo bottles and other items from the shower. Be sure to put up brand new shower curtains and liner. Make sure there’s no sign of hair in your drain.
• Make sure both your sink and toilets are unclogged and running smoothly.
• Break out the fresh towels, put up a new roll of toilet paper, and top up the soap dispenser.
• If the master bathroom has a dual sink and mirror combo, be sure that the mirrors are identical. Also, be sure they’re free of things like toothpaste.

• Did you vacuum the floor and clear it of any clutter? After you’ve done so, polish the floors and then give them a light once-over mopping.
• Store all family pictures or items that are obviously personal. This allows buyers to project their own idea of the home, and in their mind, make it their own.
• Plug in a scented deodorizer in every room. They last up to a month and will keep things smelling fresh.
• Don’t forget to swap out any dead or dimming light bulbs! High-wattage lights will really make your house glow.

To avoid having to clean up again and again, put all items back in their place once you’ve used them – don’t leave things strewn about.

Your real estate agent is the best source of information about the local community and real estate topics. Give Zatta Real Estate Group a call today at (225) 279-4668 to learn more about local areas, discuss selling a house, or tour available homes for sale.