Have you heard the buzz about staged homes? They're out there and they are just one more handy thing in our home-selling toolbox. Its true that a staged home often will sell faster and many times get higher premium that at least covers the cost of staging.
When staging just isn't cost effective or for one reason or another not a viable option, there are tricks you can do to get many of the benefits of a staged home. First and foremost, its imperative that as a homeowner you take a step back and detach your emotional connection to your home. I know that its easy to say and harder to do, but it really is important.
As a professional agent, here are the things I look at in a home that I have on the market.
- Cleanliness
- Clutter
- Curb-Appeal
I call them "the Three C's". Potential buyers base their first impressions and judgments about a home on the Three C's. Once that impression is made, it is very difficult to change their mind.
In terms of repairs, cleaning is the easiest to do, and like the most effective. So get on your hands and knees and start scrubbing. Wash everything; fixtures, windows, floors, cabinets, counters, every single surface should get a thorough scrubbing. Don't neglect the hidden areas, vacuum behind furniture, in closets, under the beds. Sweep underneath kitchen appliances.
Then its time to look at clutter. Your priceless family treasures, may hold special memories for you, your collection of figurines may be a source of pride, but to potential buyers - these things cloud their imagination. If a buyer can't imagine their own personal affects scattered around your home, they won't be inclined to buy it.
Also, contrary to popular belief... Size does matter! By removing the things that you don't need, and organizing the things you do will make your home seem larger. This includes furniture. Consider taking out some furniture. That love seat, sofa, or recliner really just clutters the living room.
If you can't seem to part with things, rent storage space. The first corner cutting that sellers try is to stash away everything in the hall closet or under the sink. Trust me, that won't work. As buyer's tour your home, they will open every door, drawer, and hideaway they find. If those spaces are full of your clutter, they'll get the impression that there isn't enough space for their Hummel figurines.
It seems to me that the minor problems with a home have big impacts on potential buyers. So fix your leaky faucets, upgrade outdated and worn fixtures, make sure doors and windows open and close with ease. These things are simple and effective.
For curbappeal, nothing beats a freshly landscaped yard. Make sure lawns are mowed, and edged, and watered frequently. Bushes and shrubs should be neatly manicured. Don't forget lighting too... Yard, and walk lights should be in working order. While you're outside take a look at your paint job. Could it use a little freshening up? A coat of paint is inexpensive and covers a multitude of sins. If your custom colors don't match the rest of the neighborhood, its time to fall in line get with the program. Your paint colors should be neutral and soft. Tans, taupe, off whites seem are best. When considering pain, don't ignore architecturally accurate colors. If your home is a Victorian style, you don't want to use Craftsman colors. Also, don't use Victorian purple on your Spanish ranch house.
These things are simple to do, inexpensive and offer the most rewards. Ask your agent for help with these things. Your agent is a fantastic resource for referrals and recommendations for cleaners, painters, handypersons, gardeners, etc.
© 2007, John Wall, All rights reserved.
