THE KATZ GROUP

   

Staging Your Home

It is imperative that you present your home in a way that will give it the greatest value in the eyes of a prospective buyer.  

OUTDOORS

• Tidy up the grounds.  Keep lawn trimmed and edged.  Trim all bushes and trees.  Make sure your yard is clear of refuse.  The landscaping around your house is most often the first thing buyers see.
  

• If your home hasn’t had a fresh coat of paint in a while, paint it now.
  

• Clean all windows (inside and out).

FRONT DOOR AND WALKWAY

• Your front door gives a vital first impression while a potential buyer waits for their agent to open the door.  Be sure it is scrubbed clean or painted and that the hardware is shiny.  Put a pot (or two) of flowers by the door and replace the doormat.

• Keep all steps and walkways clear of hazards (this advice applies to the inside, too)

GARAGE

• Tidy up the garage.  Pack away as much as possible. 

LIVING ROOM

• Keep only a few items on the coffee table.

BEDROOMS

• Make beds with clean, attractive spreads.

BATHROOMS

• Bathrooms help sell homes--Make this room sparkle.

• Clean off as much as you can from the counter area.

• Keep clean towels in the bathroom.

CLOSETS

• Make closets appear spacious by removing all clothing, etc. that you are not currently using (seasonal items).  Since you are moving anyway, these items can packed away beforehand.

KITCHEN

• Remove all items that you are not using all the time.  Counters become bigger, cleaner and look more appealing to the potential buyer.

• Wash dishes and keep sink clear and clean.

GENERAL

• Put light bulbs in all light sockets because illuminations are like a welcome sign. The potential buyer will then feel glowing warmth when you turn on all the lights.

• Put away clothes, straighten up newspapers, etc.  

• Keep pets out of the way when showing. (A prospect may be annoyed or simply distracted).

• Avoid having too many people present during showings.  The potential buyer may feel like an intruder and will hurry through the house.  Do no allow children to tag along on a visitor’s tour.

• Never apologize for appearance, it only accentuates or distracts.

• Clean blinds and shutters, and double check that draperies are properly hung.

• Paint hallways and rooms that appear worn.  Replace badly worn carpeting and damaged tile flooring.

• Repair or replace any loose knobs, sticking doors and windows, dripping faucets, ceiling fans and any other small items.

• Open all draperies, curtains and window coverings.

• Keep fresh flowers or potpourri out as much as possible.

REMEMBER

With a critical and impersonal attitude, look at each area and room separately.  If necessary, bring in a friend to see if there is anything you’ve missed or that can be done to improve the overall look and appeal.  Taking care of all needed repairs and improvements will not only affect the opinions of potential buyers, but also those of the various inspectors who will follow the same path while giving their professional opinions.