A home should be presented for sale in the best possible light. A home that looks its best is more likely to sell faster and for a better price. Hiring a staging company is one way to go, but it could be expensive and not always possible. Luckily there are ways to "stage" your home with furniture that is already in it. The secret is to give the potential buyers an opportunity to imagine their "stuff" and their family living in the home. Making your home look most neutral will help potential buyers achieve that.
Here are a few tips for preparing your home for the market and staging it in the way that gives potential buyers that chance:
Entrance
Put out new welcome mat
Check doorbell and replace light bulbs
Clean and/or repaint front door
Sweet walkway
General
Eliminate clutter
Clear out closets
Neutralize and depersonalize
Replace burned out light bulbs
Rooms
Touch up or repaint walls, trims and ceilings
Clean or replace old carpeting
Clean curtains, shutters and blinds
Clean fireplace and mantle
Update decor - throw pillows, bedspreads, towels
Kitchen and Baths
Declutter counters
Clean out cabinets, drawers and pantry
Clean appliances inside and out
Clean, repair or replace faucets and fixtures
Outside
Wash windows and screens
Trim trees, hedges and shrubs
Weed and maintain the lawn
Make necessary repairs
Before Each Showing
Clear off counters and tables
Pick up toys and clutter
Make beds
Make sure home smells inviting
Turn on lights
A staged home makes a simple statement: it is ready to be moved into! Now that potential buyers can visualize themselves in it, they have a stronger incentive to make an offer!