Home Staging Tips WORKING WITH US TO HELP YOU MAXIMIZE YOUR HOME’S STRENGTHS.

After considering the 6 most influential factors in positioning your home in the market we will also work with you to stage your home in preparation for your photo shoot and overall appearance.

Location

Location is the single greatest factor affecting value. A neighborhood’s desirability is basic to a property’s fair market value.

Competition

Buyers compare your property against others in that neighborhood. Buyers interpret value based on available properties on the market.

Timing

The real estate market may reflect a “buyers” or “sellers” market. Market conditions cannot be manipulated; an individually tailored marketing plan of action must be developed for each property.

Condition

The property condition will affect price and speed of sale. Optimizing physical appearance and advance preparation for marketing maximizes value.

Terms

The more terms available, the larger the market, the quicker the sale and the higher the price. Terms structured to meet your objectives are important to successful marketing.

Price

If the property is not properly priced, a sale may be delayed or even prevented. Reviewing the Comparative Market Analysis assists you in determining the best possible price.

PREPARING YOUR HOME

Your home has just one chance to make a great impression with each potential buyer. And it can! The following "tricks of the trade" will help you keep track of what needs to be done. The whole idea is to present a clean, spacious clutter-free home--the kind of place you’d like to buy. Accomplish a little every day, and before long your home will be ready to make the impression that can make the sale.

We will walk you through each phase and help you optimize your home

Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Mow lawn
Trim shrubs
Edge gardens and walkways
Weed and mulch
Sweep walkways and driveway, remove branches, litter or toys
Add color and fill in bare spots with plantings
Remove mildew or moss from walls or walks with bleach and water or other cleaner
Take stains off your driveway with cleanser or kitty litter
Stack woodpile neatly
Clean and repair patio and deck area
Remove any outdoor furniture which is not in good repair
Make sure pool or spa sparkles

Replace old storm doors
Check for flat-fitting roof shingles
Have your roof cleaned if appearance is streaking
Repair broken windows and shutters, replace torn screens, make sure frames and seams have solid caulking
Hose off exterior wood and trim, replace damaged bricks or wood
Touch up exterior paint, repair gutters and eaves
Clean and remove rust from any window air conditioning units
Paint the front door and mailbox
Add a new front door mat and consider a seasonal door decoration
Shine brass hardware on front door, outside lighting fixtures, etc.
Make sure doorbell is in good working order

General Interior Tips

Add a fresh coat of interior paint in light, neutral colors
Shampoo carpeting, replace if necessary
Clean and wax hardwood floors, refinish if necessary
Clean and wash kitchen and bathroom floors
Wash all windows, vacuum blinds, wash window sills
Clean the fireplace
Clean out and organize closets, add extra space by packing clothes and items you won’t need again until after you’ve moved

Remove extra furniture, worn rugs, and items you don’t use; keep papers, toys, etc. picked up--especially on stairways
Repair problems such as loose door knobs, cracked molding, leaking taps and toilets, squeaky doors, closets or screen doors which are off their tracks
Add dishes of potpourri, or drop of vanilla or bath oil on light bulbs for scent
Secure jewelry, prescription drugs cash, and other valuables The Living Room
Make it cozy and inviting, discard chipped or worn furniture and frayed or worn rugs

The Dining Room

Polish any visible silver and crystal
Set the table for a formal dinner to help viewers imagine entertaining here
Keep the chairs slightly pulled out from the dining room table and lined up perfectly
Make sure all interior lights of cabinetry work and have them on for showings

The Kitchen

Make sure appliances are spotless inside and out (try baking soda for cleaning Formica stains)
Make sure all appliances are in perfect working order
Clean often forgotten spots on top of refrigerator and under sink
Wax or sponge floor to brilliant shine, clean baseboards
Unclutter all counter space, remove countertop appliances
Organize items inside cabinets, pre-pack anything you won’t be using before you move
Remove items from the refrigerator front and on top
Keep some appliances on the counter – the kitchen should appear inviting

The Bathrooms

Remove all rust and mildew
Make sure tile, fixtures, shower doors, etc. are immaculate and shining
Make sure all fixtures are in good repair
Replace loose caulking or grout
Make sure lighting is bright, but soft

The Master Bedroom

Organize furnishings to create a spacious look with well-defined sitting, sleeping, and dressing areas
Make this room inviting by adding special touches such as fluffy pillows and beautiful comforters
Add Candles and soft lighting and if enough a room a cozy seating area

The Garage

Sell, give away, or throw out unnecessary items
Clean oily cement floor
Provide strong overhead light
Tidy storage or work areas
Add wall units for hanging tools, cords, equipment etc
Suspend bikes from the ceiling to help declutter
Clean the floor of debris, leaves, dirt
Have a designated area for trash and recycling

The Basement

Sell, give away, or throw out unnecessary items
Organize and create more floor space by hanging tools and placing items on shelves
Clean water heater and drain sediment
Change furnace filter
Make inspection access easy
Clean and paint concrete floor and walls
Provide strong overhead light

The Attic

Tidy up by discarding or pre-packing
Make sure energy-saving insulation is apparent

Make sure air vent is in working order
Provide strong overhead lighting

When It’s Time To Show

Make sure your property profile folder, utility bills, MLS profile, house location survey, etc. are available
Open all draperies and shades, turn on all lights
Pick up toys and other clutter, check to make sure beds are made and clothes are put away
Give the carpets a quick vacuuming
Add some strategically placed fresh flowers
Open bathroom windows for fresh air
Pop a spicy dessert or just a pan of cinnamon in the oven for aroma

Turn off the television and turn on the radio music at a low volume
Make a fire in the fireplace if appropriate
Put pets in the backyard or arrange for a friend to keep them
Make sure pet areas are clean and odor-free
Make sure all trash is disposed of in neatly covered bins