Preparing & Staging Your Property

Here are some tips that cost primarily time, but make a big difference on the appearance of your home. It is amazing how we overlook these little details but prospective buyers don’t!

CLEAN UP THE OUTSIDE

• Your Curb appeal is the first impression buyers get of your home. Keep the grass cut and edged and the garden areas weed free. Remove any ‘dead’ or unsightly shrubs.

• Clean up your siding by painting or washing or a combination. You can ‘update’ outdated colors by simply changing the trim (include window casings, shutters, doors, gutters etc.)

• Wash all windows

• Keep vehicles out of sight

• Have the roof cleaned and/or treated

• Pressure wash concrete drives, patios and porches

TOUCH UP THE INTERIOR

• Remove all clutter! Clutter makes your space look ‘smaller’ and keeps the potential buyer from envisioning their belongings in the home. Clean out closets, attics, basement, garage etc. Remove excess furnishings and knick-knacks – minimize!

• Put a fresh coat of paint in any room that looks marred or uneven. Try and use neutral tones like white, off-white or parchment. Pay attention to trim that needs paint as well!

• Wash walls where paint is not appropriate

• Wash all floors and tile areas

• Shampoo and deodorize all carpet areas – in some cases – replacing carpet could make a difference!

FIX MAINTENANCE ITEMS YOU’VE BEEN PUTTING OFF

• Replace gaskets in faucets or faucets themselves to stop leaks

• Fix any and all plumbing leaks

• Rebuild toilets that ‘run’

• Oil squeaky doors

• Repair non-working appliances

MAKE YOUR HOME ‘FEEL GOOD’

• If you have pets or are a ‘smoker’ – smells may detract from the ‘feel’ of your home – open windows on warm days to allow fresh air circulation.

• Place scented potpourri around the house

• Light scented candles when expecting a showing

• Bake cinnamon rolls, bread, pie, or cookies in the oven for the ‘home-baked’ feeling.

CONSIDER PROFESSIONAL ‘STAGING’

• Achieve the ‘model’ home look with professional staging.

• Little differences make a big impact – ask us how!

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