The Basics Of Staging Your House For Sale

Bring in a designer or better still, a professional home stager to help point out decorating ideas and overlooked problem areas of clutter. When you live in a space, you get used to a space and don't see what others see. Consider outside expert advice in staging your home The cost is usually recovered in an improved selling price and quicker sale.

Staging your home for sale - click to view examples of staging

living room bedroom dining room den powder room

Place flowers and/or a featured magazine on a coffee table in the living room

Use bright pillows or a throw blanket to add color to a room

Placing utensils by the fireplace adds authenticity and atmosphere

A warm coloured decoration by the front door adds a welcome

A hanging basket of plants is a welcome invitation to enter

Set the dining room or kitchen table with attractive settings to create decor and style in any presentation. Use candles, plants or a or fruit bowl as a centerpiece

An cookbook on the countertop helps in the kitchen, especially if complimented by the aroma of baked goods in the oven

Beds with coordinated covers, pillows and curtains and silk flowers on the dresser will make bedrooms more comfortable

Decorate bathrooms with guest towels and scented hand soaps.

Replace old or worn shower curtains with bright modern new colourful styles.

Clean up and organize the garage. Make it look as big as possible. Keep the floor clean and swept.

Park the car outside the garage.

Make sure the grass is cut, trimmed, weeded and green.

The driveway should be power washed and the garden free of weeds and dead leaves raked and cleaned up.
Remove unnecessary distractions and set the rooms at a comfortable temperature. Turn off the TV.

Family, children and pets should vacate the house if possible during showings.

Help the Realtor make the best effort to sell the house.
REMOVE PERSONAL ITEMS

Put away family photos, souvenirs, knick-knacks and personal items. These items may ne special to you, but the prospective buyer wants to imagine their own personal items in your space. Removing personal items helps that process.
STRIVE FOR CLEAN AND CLEAR SURFACES

Clear off counters in kitchens and all bathrooms, put away small appliances and personal items. Clean counter and flooring all surfaces and consider adding décor such as flowers or plants.
CREATE OPEN SPACE WHERE POSSIBLE

Remove and store extra furniture to create open areas that promote easy foot traffic through your home.
TIDY UP STORAGE SPACES

Clear out closets, basements and garages as prospective buyers are always on the lookout for ample storage space. Now is a good time to box up unworn clothes, toys and personal items for storage or charity.
QUICK FIXES AND NEEDED REPAIRS

Potential buyers will look for clues that the home is well maintained. Make it look like it is. How much work a house seems to require will impact the offering prices you receive, so it's beneficial to ensure that everything appears to be in good working condition.
Basic Checklist for Home Sellers:
BATHROOMS

Ensure all plumbing fixtures are clean and in good working order. Outfit leaky faucets with new washers and clean any visible stains on porcelain fixtures. Replace old, worn shower curtains and bath mats.
DOORS & WINDOWS

Spray lubricant on all hinges so everything operates smoothly. Potential buyers will be estimating their energy costs, so fix drafts by re-caulking windows and replace exterior doors if necessary. Clean windows inside and out.
WALLS AND FLOORS

A fresh coat of paint instantly transforms a space, making it to look neat, clean, and up-to-date. Try to fix obvious wall cracks and nail holes before painting. Steam clean carpets, wash floors and repair any damaged floor tiles.
HOME ODOURS AND ATMOSPHERE AFFECT FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Remove odours left behind by pets and smokers. Neutralize unpleasant smells. Replace burned out light bulbs and add new light fixtures if necessary in hallways, including basements, garages and closets.
CURB APPEAL

First impressions can mean a lot. Many people will drive by a listing and make a decision based on the home's curb appeal. Create a well-maintained entryway - to invite potential buyers. Maintaining a neat and attractive outside to the home to show buyers the house is well maintained and all is in good order..
LANDSCAPING

Consider planting a few bushes and colourful mature flowers to create an eye catching display. Ensure that your lawn is well manicured: mowed, watered and void of brown spots.
FRONT DOOR

Look critically at your front entrance: does the door or the railing need a fresh coat of paint? Polish the door handle and consider placing a new welcome mat.
FRONT PORCH

Adding plant colour can improve the look of the entranceway. Whatever the season, look closely to determine if any repairs are needed such as leaves to be raked, lawns to be trimmed, snow to be shovelled or loose cement or rotting wood to be replaced.
EVENING DRIVE BY

Many buyers will want to drive by your home in the evening. Leave outside light are turned on to best show of your home.

1. Consider any improvements that can be made to improve the curb appeal
2. Declutter the home as much as possible.
3. Clean windows, floors, counters, bathrooms, kitchens, storage spaces, etc.
4. Remove personal effects like family photos and special collectables
5. Neutral colours on paint and flooring are best.
6. Highlight your home's best features.
7. Outfit each room to its normal purpose.
8. Light your home to it's best advantage consider selected new light fixtures
9. Modernize window treatments
10. Flooring is an excellent investment for updating the look of your home.

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