Top 10 Home Staging Tips for Sellers

In the past three installments on preparing your home for sale, we’ve reviewed the tasks that the seller can do to add to the perceived value of their home, and how the expertise of a home stager can help your home attract more potential home buyers, receive more offers and sell for the highest possible price.  Regardless of the size or value of the home, the seller will reap rewards from implementing the following budget-friendly, home staging tips.

Top 10 Most Effective Home Staging Tips

1. Turn up the curb appeal and maximize that first impression opportunity.
   • Power wash the driveway, front walkway and steps or entry.
   • Update the front door with a fresh coat of paint.
   • Polish door hardware, house numbers, and mailbox.
   • Dress up the entrance with a potted planter of colorful annuals or a small tree by the front door.
   • Buy a new welcome mat.
   • Check to ensure light fixture is in working order and bug-free.
2. Spruce up the front yard.
   • Trim any overgrown shrubs or plantings, especially in front of windows.
   • Add a splash of floral color to attract the attention of a drive-by shopper.
   • Put a clean edge on planting beds with fresh mulch.
   • Pamper the lawn and keep it green.
3. Fresh paint will provide the biggest return for money spent on preparing your home to sell.
   • If needed, give the exterior of your  home a new paint job.   Most of the major paint manufacturers/retailers have done the work for you, offering preselected palettes that group colors for the main body of the house, trim and accents.  Some have an online tool that allow you to “try on” paint colors and combinations before you buy - see Behr Paints  or Sherwin Williams.  For additional help with selecting color, consider hiring a color specialist. 
   • For interiors, choose neutral colors with lighter millwork and trim, and white ceilings for contrast.
4. Return any rooms repurposed to suit your lifestyle back to the use originally intended by the architect.  Staging a third bedroom as a home office is fine, but a formal dining room turned kid’s playroom should be converted back to its original purpose.
5. Neutralize the home’s interior.
   • Remove any wallpaper, no matter how much you like it.
   • Soften any strong decorating styles.
   • Remove any articles that my make prospective buyers uncomfortable: no mooseheads, antlers, nude art, personal toiletries or medications.  Find a temporary home for reptiles, birds and fish.
6. Declutter your home.  Clutter is distracting to prospective buyers and has a negative impact on the perceived value of your home.
   • Pack up excess, toys, books, refrigerator magnets, personal toiletries.
   • Pack up off season items, clothing and any items not needed for everyday life before the move.
   • Empty closets (and garage if possible) of at least 1/3 of their contents.  Show prospective buyers there is plenty of storage for all their stuff.
7. Depersonalize your home.
   • Pack up personal items like awards, trophies, and monogrammed items.
   • Remove most family photos, including large portraits.
   • Pack up all collections - no exceptions.
8. Get your house white-glove clean.
   • Have your windows washed inside and out.
   • Clean everything - especially places you only clean once or twice a year - like appliances, the top of the refrigerator, over door frames, baseboards, light fixtures and faucets, and tile.  Make it sparkle!
   • Clean outside the front door.  Get the spider webs, bugs on windowsills, bird droppings.
   • Consider hiring a cleaning service to keep your home in tip-top shape while it’s on the market.
9. Lighten and brighten your interior.
   • Maximize the light that enters every room.
   • Remove heavy draperies or window treatments that block light or the view.
   • Check all light fixtures to ensure they have the maximum wattage bulb allowable for the fixture.
   • Bring in some healthy green plants to freshen the air and bring the outdoors in.
10. Leave your home for all showings, and be sure to bring your pets with you.
    • Buyers will feel more comfortable touring your home if you are not present.
    • Buyers need to see all the rooms in your home.  Closing a door and making a room off limits to rein in a pet is not the best option.  Keep a “pet kit” at the ready with a water bowl, pet carrier, soft towel or blanket, and pet treats so you can leave quickly if necessary.

Use this list of tips as your home staging checklist and soon your home for sale will be the standout in your neighborhood! For a complete explanation on the benefits of preparing your home for sale , the role of a home stager, and the process of staging your home for sale, please consult the past three installments on home staging.

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