Before you put your house on the market, there are just a few things you need to do in preparation. All of us watch HGTV and DIY networks and we see how the professionals "stage" homes for sale. They turn out beautiful and magnificent and we want to own them ourselves. For sure!
To stage your home for sale, you really just need to do a few things. If you want more of an extensive staging approach, call me and I'll set up a time to go over some things with you. But for now, just concentrate on these few things:
- Clear off all counters, tops of dressers, vanities, etc. Just have one or two (no more than three) items on the counters. Wash the counters too.
- In the bathrooms, make them sparkling clean every day. Put out fresh thick towels for the showings. Have all the lightbulbs replaced for a well-lit effect.
- In the kitchen, leave just the coffee pot and another item or two on the counters. Make the kitchen shine with cleanliness. If you have stainless steel appliances, wipe them down.
- In the bedrooms, you may have to replace wild fabric, dated or torn fabrics. Get a comforter that is neutral in color with matching pillow shams. Put your other comforters away for now; you can get them back out when you get moved. Make the room peaceful. Clear off all "stuff" from everywhere.
- If you have pets, get them out of the house for the showings.
- Keep your windows clean and free of dog spit.
- Turn on all the lights.
- Bake some cookies prior to the showing. Get that cookie dough that comes in a wrapped package in the dairy section; that way you only have to cook a few cookies at a time and you won't see your waistline enlarge.
I have about a hundred other tricks to have your home show the best. But if you do just these few things, you will find that you will be way far ahead of your competition. And that is what you really want, isn't it? You want to be the one that folks make an offer on. Good luck!