STAGED TO SELL – What every home seller should know before placing their home on the market
It’s been a busy couple of weeks, assisting clients with their real estate needs, and completing some CE courses along the way. As a licensed real estate professional, it is my job to keep a pulse on the market and know what’s trending so I can best assist my clients in achieving their real estate goals. In this challenging market for both buyers and sellers, it is important to arm my clients with the best information possible so they can navigate their way through to a successful end/beginning of their new chapter.
While the market has its challenges, what market doesn’t right? Given the right information and guidance, you will be better equipped to succeed. As mentioned, I took a CE elective course last week, as I thought this information could be beneficial to my seller clients. The title of the course was “50 Staging Tips By The Book”. Let me share a little of what I’ve learned.
Here it goes …
While it is still being considered a “seller’s market,” that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be best prepared to showcase your home in the best light. As a real estate professional, I will tell you inventory is still low which is allowing homes to sustain/increase their value. But you know and I know this won’t last forever. Whether you are considering selling today or perhaps in the near future, as the market is ever-changing, it is my job to keep my clients “in the know.”
In the class I learn about the tips and tricks of the trade when it comes to “staging your home for sale”. It was a great class! I learned a lot about doing the small things that can make a BIG impact on your net profit, to doing some of the bigger things that could make even a BIGGER impact when it comes to your net profit. What I learned is that you don’t have to break the bank to make your best profit but know what to do and what do not is key.
Let’s start by “setting the stage”
PRE- HOME STAGING TIPS
❑ The interior of home is to be CLEAN. This includes every room of the home, including kitchens, baths, living areas and bedrooms.
❑ Keep laundry out of sight and off the floor in baskets or hampers.
❑ Dishes should be cleaned and put away at all times.
❑ Keep trash cans hidden and emptied, but still within easy access.
❑ Home should smell clean and fresh. Keep pets and related items out of sight.
❑ Vacuum carpets and mop floors.
❑ Move toiletries and personal items from bathroom counters, toilet areas, and shower areas to cabinets.
❑ Make all beds.
❑ Children’s toys/ games/ movies should be put in their proper place.
❑ “Spring Clean” blinds, lights, baseboards, doors, vents, appliances and windows. Clean all surfaces and mirrors.
❑ Organize needed items in pantry, closets and inside of cabinets for viewing.
❑ Pack away personal photos to allow buyers to visualize their family living in the home.
❑ Make sure each room only has main furniture pieces. Place all extra items that are not décor out of sight and in organized areas.
❑ Please note anything that you would like to remain in its current place (not to be removed).
❑ Please note where you would like large and small items to be placed that will not be used during the staging process.
Once your home has the necessary updates, continuous lawn care and interior cleaning, these are key steps to ensure incredible showings, top offers and a FAST home selling process!
❑ Make sure beds are made and rooms are picked up.
❑ Keep personal items (bills and other paperwork) out of sight for your protection.
❑ Remove personal items (toothbrushes, get-ready items, etc.) from bathroom counters and keep out of sight in cabinets for easy access.
❑ Ensure items in cabinets, pantry, laundry room and garage are tidy and organized (resembling a store).
❑ Closets should be kept at 70% capacity and keep the floor space as empty as possible to help make spaces look larger.
❑ Ensure landscaping is well-manicured, keeping lawn, bushes and trees trimmed around the property weekly. First Impressions matter!
❑ Front and back porches are to be cleaned, free of personal items, and ready for guests.
❑ Interior of home is to be kept very clean on a daily basis.
❑ Place laundry out of sight in baskets and keep clean on a regular basis.
❑ Consistently keep dishes cleaned. Dirty dishes in the sink will send a negative message to potential buyers.
❑ Place trash cans out of sight.
❑ Home should always smell clean and fresh (discreetly use lightly scented plug ins, diffusers or sprays on a regular basis).
❑ Most buyers want a pet-free home, so keep pets and related items out of sight during showings.
❑ If the home has a media room, begin a kids themed or PG movie, turn on accent lighting, and set the stage for a movie night.
❑ Open blinds and turn on key and accent lighting as such lamps set the ambiance.
There were so many more tips & tricks I could share with you as I am a good “note-taker” …If your interested in learning more about what you can do to make your home shine its brightest while working within your own budget – give me a call …. I’d be happy to share!
If you are interested speaking with a professional home stager and interior designer, I would not hesitate recommending ba Staging & Interiors. If you are interested in learning a little more about what you can do to make your home shine its brightest while working within your own budget – give me a call …. I’d be happy to share!
Still on the fence, or perhaps you would just like to learn your home’s value … Feel free to click on the link to learn what the current market value of your home is in today’s market – Knowledge is power!
Laura
The Key To Your Real Estate Success
Helping buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals.