If you’re considering having your home professionally staged, you have probably done some research on the topic and understand the importance of staging. In doing this research you have probably learned the basics of staging; clean and de-clutter, depersonalize, lighten and brighten and improve the curb appeal.
These are basic steps that any Home Stager will suggest – so you might want to get started before you call a Home Stager so they can focus on the more involved aspects of staging - to emphasize the features and focal points of your home.
You might also want to consider not even calling a real estate agent to list your house until it has been professionally staged. Just as you want to impress buyers with your home, it is important that your real estate agent’s first impression of your home be a positive one so they will be more inclined to list your house for top dollar.
Let’s get started with cleaning and de-cluttering
Your home should be “white-glove inspection” clean, every room spotless. If you need help, don’t hesitate to call in a professional cleaning service and carpet cleaning service.
Besides cleanliness, we have all have a clutter issue – we just can’t seem to live without it. So, since at some point you’re going to have to start packing, now is a perfect time. Start by packing up some of that clutter.
Now, go through your clothes and linen closets and organize them, removing as much as you can so it shows that you have plenty of storage space. Here is a method of getting rid of clothing you may want to consider; if you wouldn’t wear it during a class reunion weekend, you need to get rid of it.
Bookshelves are another area that gets cluttered quickly - reduce your collection by at least one-third and try to leave only hard-backed books. The same goes for media storage in the living or family rooms.
And lastly - the garage. Oh boy, this is a big one! Buyers love a spacious garage - show them how much storage room there is by cleaning out and packing up.
Depersonalizing
When a buyer walks into your home, they don’t need to know anything about you; who you are, what you look like, what you do for a living or as a hobby – because we want them to be thinking about THEM – not YOU. Take down all of your family photos and collectables. Be sure to leave your non-personal accessories since your stager will want to use some of them.
Lighten and Brighten
Make sure every light fixture in your home is clean and has bulbs in them. If your walls are painted anything but a neutral color, you should consider painting them a neutral color to make the rooms appear larger and more open.
Curb Appeal
Walk across the street and take a picture of your house. Can you see your house? Does it invite people to the front door? Trim or remove any large bushes or trees blocking the view of your home, make sure the lawn in mowed and leaves are raked up. Flower beds should be cleaned out and edged, a new layer of mulch can do wonders.
If the paint is peeling or faded, you might want to repaint for a fresher look. Add some pots by the front door with flowers that are in season or green plants as well as a new welcome mat.
Make sure the front door and porch or stoop looks nice, this is what the buyers will be looking at while the real estate agent opens the lockbox to get the key. You don't want them looking at spider webs, bugs and broken door bell buttons and forming a negative opinion before they even get in the door!
Wow! You have a made a LOT of progress! Now you are ready to call a Home Stager and let them work their magic in your home.
Give me a call and see what a difference working with a home stager can make.
Nan Johnston
Wow! You have a made a LOT of progress! Now you are ready to call a Home Stager and let them work their magic in your home.
Give me a call and see what a difference working with a home stager can make.
Nan Johnston
Southern Staging & Redesign
770-251-0608 home/office
