You
never get a second chance to
make a good first impression.
In staging their home, the sellers have an opportunity and
responsibility to enhance the salability of their house. The buyer's first impression can
mean the difference of literally thousands of dollars in emotional appeal to a buyer or
make the difference of whether the property sells or sits on the market for months. The
sellers should look to their agents for honest, candid suggestions to increase the visual
appearance and maximize the return of the seller's investment.
- FRONT AND BACK YARD:
Haul trash, mow, edge, fertilize, (Ammonia Sulfate), water, trim
shrubs, open up entryway. Around edges, replace
rock or bark or just remove weeds.
- GARAGE
AND DRIVEWAY: Have a garage sale, clean out and open up the
garage workbench, etc. REMOVE OIL SPOTS!
- PAINTING
OUTSIDE: Nearly every house going on the market should be painted,
at least the trim. Purchase a new doormat. Paint,
varnish or simply replace the front doors.
- PAINTING INSIDE: Use light colors; it gives the feeling of spaciousness
and cleanliness.
- CARPETS:
Do they need to be replaced or at least steam-cleaned and deodorized?
Clean drapes if needed.
- KITCHEN:
Clean counter of clutter, box up and remove extra or unwanted
appliances or utensils. For showing, bake cinnamon
rolls or boil herbs and spices for aroma. Lubricate & adjust
all sliding doors and windows.
- ENTRY: Add a large mirror to give a spacious feeling.
- CLOSETS:
If winter, remove all summer clothing. If summer,
remove all winter clothing so that the closets look spacious.
Show off all storage areas by packing & removing stuff
to storage or Goodwill.
- BATHROOMS: Replace
shower curtain, Tilex and clean it until it shines,
countertops clear and clean. No plumbing leaks.
Scented soap and fresh towels.
- BEDROOMS: Tone down
the personalization of teenagers' rooms, neat and spacious.
- FAMILY AND LIVING
ROOMS: Spacious, airy, remove extra pictures, collections, trophies,
magazines and furniture, etc. It
gives the buyer a chance to see it as their home. Besides, you need to
start packing anyway.
- LIGHTING: Increase wattage in all fixtures if possible. This is not
the time to conserve electricity.
- WHEN SHOWING: Get the
family involved. TV off, soft music on. All the beds made,
everything picked up, small fire in
fireplace, use sprays and deodorizers sparingly, open drapes and
turn lights on. Toilet lid down. Pets out or contained. Remember, 50%
of home
purchasers have someone afraid of,
allergic to, or simply does not like pets.
- CONSIDERATIONS:
- Hire a painter, hire a gardener, pool service.
- Use a temporary storage unit for extra
furniture, boxed clothing, utensils, etc.
- Use plants or color arrangements to
accent.
You are not trying to demonstrate how
the seller lives.
You are letting the buyers imagine how
they will be living.
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