Successful Staging Can Be Key to Selling Quickly

When you finish your pre-listing fix-ups, it's time to consider staging for your first open house. Staging is the process of presenting a neutral look that allows buyers to envision your home as their home. That can't happen if your home reminds them that someone else still lives there. 

Our REALTORS® work with buyers and sellers. We understand that staging is an important factor in selling your home for the best price. We offer these ideas to help you understand what it takes to stage your home for an open house.

Admit Some of Your Stuff Has to Go

Too much stuff can make even a spacious home seem cramped and small. The first step is admitting that your home needs decluttering. You can avoid making any immediate decisions about keeping or throwing your stuff away if your rent a storage unit for these must-go items.

• Large furniture items
• Items that overfill closets and storage areas
• Stuff on surfaces that should be clutter-free
• Everything on kitchen counters except a few appliances
• Toys that don't fit in a toy chest
• Items in your yard and garage that you don't use

Remove Personal Items

It's important to depersonalize your home as well. Of course, you're proud of your awards, souvenirs, diplomas, and half-finished craft projects. But home buyers don't want to see personal and cultural displays that remind them they're in someone else's home.

Give Your Walls a Make-Over

A coat of paint gives your rooms a fresh, move-in ready appearance. Begin by repairing minor damage. Then paint your walls with neutral shades that go with just about anything. When a buyer looks at your rooms, they won't have to think about hiring a painter. They'll be able to envision your freshly painted walls as the perfect backdrop for their furnishings.

Clean Everything from Top to Bottom

Even if you're obsessively clean, it's important to clean your floors, appliances, shelves… well, everything before you open your home to potential buyers. Dust bunnies hide under beds and in corners. Some areas, such as under your sink and behind your refrigerator, rarely get the TLC they deserve. Housepets present the added problems of hair, litter, and lingering odors.

Whatever soil you leave behind, your open house guests will find it. If possible, hire a professional for the first deep clean. And don't forget the windows.

Redo Your Rooms

Now that you've decluttered, depersonalized, painted and cleaned, spend some time arranging what's left. Arranging is the key.

• Furniture groupings
• Creative arrangements on your walls
• Flower arrangements on your tables and buffet

Let the Light In

Light brightens your rooms and makes them appear more spacious. To let the light in, remove dark heavy curtains. Upgrade overhead light fixtures for more light in your kitchen and other work areas. Add lights to brighten dull corners. Before your open house, open the blinds and curtains to let light fill the room.

Don't Forget Outdoor Staging

Staging assumes you've already taken care of the big repairs both inside and out. But before you plant a "For Sale" sign and move into open house mode, make sure your yard is the best it can be.

• Beds of colorful flowers
• Healthy shrubs and trees
• Landscaping lights for nighttime wow
• Lawn mowed and trimmed
• Perhaps a landscaper to do it for you