Staging to Sell Your Home
The selling season is upon us! And anyone preparing to sell a home will be happy to know that there are a lot of simple, affordable things that that can lead to a good sale. Staging a home is so important for attracting buyers. Here are my "three Cs and a D" guideline:
Curb Appeal
You want buyers to feel hopeful and positive right when then pull up to your house. This doesn't mean you need a giant re-landscaping project. It is all about looking neat and tidy plus a little something for visual interest to draw them in. Sweep sidewalks and drives. Trim bushes and trees so they are even and symmetrical. Add fresh mulch around plantings. Put away yard tools and toys. Then add a fresh-looking door mat, wreath or a bright potted plant at the entrance.
Clean, Clean, Clean
Everything and everywhere. This is the time you want to finally clean all the things we blow off. Baseboards, light fixtures, inside cabinets, under sinks, in drawers and in the fridge. Have carpets professionally cleaned, power wash the deck if needed, clean windows inside and out. I can't imagine a buyer ever would think a house was too clean. But I have seen plenty cross a home off their list if it felt dirty and not cared for.
Clear Clutter
Don't accidentally tell buyers that your home is too small or has insufficient storage. Edit each room so there is just enough furniture so people can comfortably move around. Remove nick knacks and keep decorative items to a minimum so the buyers look at the space not your stuff. Purge and edit closets and cabinets as well because buyers will look in them and you don't want them to seem jammed and overflowing. I like to suggest to clients that they are just getting a head start on packing.
De-Personalize
When selling your home, remember your goal is for someone else to imagine themselves living there. So, everything that makes your home about you or your family will simply distract from that goal. Remove framed photos, mementos, etc. And because pictures of your home will most likely be on real estate websites, it is not a bad idea to avoid sharing with the world what the people look like who live there.
If you want more ideas, I found this great, comprehensive list of 5 Golden Rules to Home Staging on a Budget on REALTOR.org. Happy selling!
Curb Appeal
You want buyers to feel hopeful and positive right when then pull up to your house. This doesn't mean you need a giant re-landscaping project. It is all about looking neat and tidy plus a little something for visual interest to draw them in. Sweep sidewalks and drives. Trim bushes and trees so they are even and symmetrical. Add fresh mulch around plantings. Put away yard tools and toys. Then add a fresh-looking door mat, wreath or a bright potted plant at the entrance.
Clean, Clean, Clean
Everything and everywhere. This is the time you want to finally clean all the things we blow off. Baseboards, light fixtures, inside cabinets, under sinks, in drawers and in the fridge. Have carpets professionally cleaned, power wash the deck if needed, clean windows inside and out. I can't imagine a buyer ever would think a house was too clean. But I have seen plenty cross a home off their list if it felt dirty and not cared for.
Clear Clutter
Don't accidentally tell buyers that your home is too small or has insufficient storage. Edit each room so there is just enough furniture so people can comfortably move around. Remove nick knacks and keep decorative items to a minimum so the buyers look at the space not your stuff. Purge and edit closets and cabinets as well because buyers will look in them and you don't want them to seem jammed and overflowing. I like to suggest to clients that they are just getting a head start on packing.
De-Personalize
When selling your home, remember your goal is for someone else to imagine themselves living there. So, everything that makes your home about you or your family will simply distract from that goal. Remove framed photos, mementos, etc. And because pictures of your home will most likely be on real estate websites, it is not a bad idea to avoid sharing with the world what the people look like who live there.
If you want more ideas, I found this great, comprehensive list of 5 Golden Rules to Home Staging on a Budget on REALTOR.org. Happy selling!
 | Tundi Brady | REALTOR® P: 319-621-6600 | tundibrady@yahoo.com Licensed to sell real estate in Iowa LEPIC-KROEGER, REALTORS® 2346 Mormon Trek Boulevard Iowa City, IA 52240 |
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