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Some sellers are reluctant to stage the home because they don´t understand the value that staging adds. According to research by StagedHomes.com, staging typically costs only $200 - $1,000 and provides an average return of 169% on the investment. The best advice for homeowners who want to stage their home is to look at the house through the buyer´s eyes, as though they´ve never seen it or been there before. Time or money invested on the following staging tasks may increase the sale price and potentially lead to a faster sale.
Clear all unnecessary objects from furniture throughout the house. Sparse living spaces help the buyer picture their own things in the home. In the bathroom, coordinate towels to one or two colors only. Rearrange or remove some of the furniture if necessary. When it comes to selling, it´s important to thin out as much as possible to make rooms appear larger. Take down or rearrange certain pictures or objects on walls. Patch and paint if necessary. Review the inside of the house room by room, and Paint any room needing paint. Clean carpets or drapes that need it. Clean windows. If there´s not enough room to store extra possessions, use the garage or rent a storage unit. Leave on certain lights during the day. During showings turn on all lights and lamps. Have a radio or music playing during the day for all viewings.
Examine the perimeter of the house and move all garbage cans, discarded wood scraps, extra building materials, etc., into the garage. Check gutters for roof moss and dry rot. Make sure they are swept and cleaned. Prune bushes and trees. Trim plants to keep them from blocking windows. Weed and mulch all planting areas. Keep the lawn freshly cut, fertilized and watered. Remove dead plants or shrubs. Clear patios or decks of all small items, such as charcoal, barbecues, toys, etc. Put them in the garage or a storage unit. Check paint condition of the house - especially the front door and trim. Touch up the paint where needed. Remember, curb appeal really works! |
