You love your home. You want the next owner to fall in love with it, too. But, perhaps most of all, you want to get the price you want. Selling a home requires a lot of hard work, but this hard work can pay off in a big way.
Home preparation and staging can be a powerful selling tool. It presents your house in a flattering way and helps you list at a competitive price. In a recent study, the National Association of Realtors found that:
- 77% of buyers’ agents said staging makes it easier for their buyer to visualize the property as their future home.
- 39% of sellers’ agents said staging a home greatly decreases the amount of time a house is on the market. This means you could be moving into your new house sooner.
- 21% of sellers’ agents said staging a home increases its dollar value between 6% and 10%. Simply put, that may lead to more money in your pocket.
Tackling these tasks will make your house swoon-worthy in no time.
OUTSIDE:
- Pull weeds/clean up any flowerbeds
- Trim hedges
- Add some seasonal potted flowers near door and in flower beds
- Clean up yard of any toys, debris, tools, etc.
- Touch up paint if needed
- Replace any exterior light bulbs
- Clean windows
LIVING AREAS:
- Touch up paint if needed
- Remove family photos/pictures and personal memorabilia
- Reposition any furniture that may be cluttering a room or making it difficult to move freely
- Replace any light bulbs
- Pack away papers and mail
- Store away small knick-knacks, toys, or collections in bins or baskets
- Make sure curtains are open during pictures/showings to let the natural light in.
KITCHEN/DINING:
- Clear fridge of any magnets, pictures, papers, etc.
- Clear counters of anything not used daily or frequently
- Clean counters, sink, and appliances
BEDROOMS:
- Remove family photos/pictures and personal memorabilia
- Make beds
- Clean, dust, vacuum
- Make sure curtains are open during pictures/showings
BATHROOM(s):
- Tuck away any personal items/toiletries during pictures/showings
- Clean counters, sink, tub, floor
BASEMENT:
- Run dehumidifier frequently if needed
- Make sure basement is easily viewed and remove or reposition any furniture or storage items that may be cluttering the basement or making it difficult to move about
BEFORE SHOWINGS/OPEN HOUSES:
- Dust/Vacuum
- Make Beds
- Clean and clear counters in kitchen/bath(s)
- Open curtains
- Turn on lights
