Ten Tips for Staging Your Home for a Quick Sale

  1. Get rid of the clutter. Less is definitely more when staging your home for sale. Get rid of all the clutter (plate displays, family photos, collections, knick knacks). Counters and tabletops need to appear open, with lots of space.
  2. Make a good first impression. Update your front door with a fresh coat of paint, a new doormat and a simple wreath that says “welcome and come on in!” And once you enter the house, make sure the potential buyer is greeted with a pleasant aroma – candles, air fresheners, fresh flowers.
  3. Don’t forget the yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, and trim the overgrown shrubs and trees. Add color to the front porch with planters. If the outside of your home is unkempt, potential buyers might not even come inside.
  4. Remember who you were when you moved in. If you moved into your house looking for more space, there’s a good chance that potential buyers want more room, too. Make your home more spacious by storing clothing, furniture, and “stuff” you don’t need out of the house while it’s on the market.
  5. Use a little elbow grease! Let the buyer picture living in your home without the reminders of you and your family. Bathrooms and kitchens should be spotless. Have your carpets cleaned so they don’t look dingy. Make sure your windows are clean and sparkling!
  6. Disguise your pets. Remove all signs of your pets: food, toys, and especially, the odor. Have a friend or real estate agent perform a “sniff” test.
  7. Accentuate the positives. Do something that draws buyers to linger in these magic spaces – whether it is an open staircase, a great view, or a three-car garage.
  8. Neutralize your walls and décor. A fresh coat of paint in a neutral color is always a good investment. Yellow might be your favorite color but for a quicker sale, choose colors that are attractive to many. Rooms that are move-in ready will open up your pool of potential buyers.
  9. Finish your small projects. Touch up your woodwork and walls and fix all leaky faucets and running toilets! Even consider freshening up grout lines in showers and baths. The little things can mean a lot.
  10. Let in the light. Keep it bright. Turn on lights in every room. Dimly lit homes seem small and dingy, especially during the day!