How to Stage Your Home for a Sale

 

Home staging tips from experts.
          Barbara Corchoran - Click Here
          Susan Botticelli - Click Here  
          Brenda Hoover - Click Here

Home staging article on About.com. Click Here

Potential buyers make their decision to purchase your home in the first 30 seconds upon entering. First impression is the key to selling your home fast and for top dollar.

Steps

  1. De-Clutter, Clean, and/or Organize all rooms in the house - This should be your very 1st step.
  2. Address any and all repairs that need attention. Inspect your house inside and out to search for cracks, etc. The small investment of time and money will mean a bigger return when it comes to the sale price.
  3. Landscape improvements will add curb appeal to attract a buyer. Use plenty of color in and around the front walkway and porch areas.
  4. Update exterior lighting.
  5. Paint the exterior and interior of the home. Interior paint should be in neutral tones.
  6. Spruce up furniture that is outdated with slip covers.
  7. Keep the bathroom as bare as possible, never leave your personal items in view when showing your home. In fact, depersonalising your whole property is a powerful selling tip. Buyers will be more attracted to your house when they can imagine themselves living there. To make your house look lived-in without looking like anyone actually lives there, pack away into storage:

    • All family photos
    • Holiday souvenirs
    • Trophies & certificates
    • Collectible items
    • Children’s artwork
    • Home Gyms that haven't been used in months
  8. Whether selling professionally or by yourself, make sure you have some fliers made up with details and photos of your house for prospective buyers to take away with them.
  9. Know that a house should appeal to all five of the senses:

    • Sight: Open the blinds and drapes to let in natural light. Keep clutter away.
    • Smell: Put out flowers in the main rooms of the home, as well as scented candles. Bread in the oven is another good idea.
    • Taste: Make some cookies or something else for your guests. This will also help improve the aroma of your home. A hot pot of coffee helps with taste and smell also.
    • Hearing: Turn off the sound on all television sets and computers, and have some easy listening music softly playing in the background.
    • Touch: Make sure everything is clean and dust-free.
    • Space: Allow each room to have the maximum amount of space.  Arrange the furniture in a manner that opens up the room.