Home Staging Tip- Stand Out Like a Red Sweater!

Even though it is currently a seller’s market, you don’t want to leave the sale of your home to chance.  And, you want to do what you can to protect your investment.

Years ago when I placed office support staff, we would tell our applicants that they needed to have something that made them stand out like a red sweater in the crowd.

All things being equal...you live in a sought after neighborhood, you’ve recently painted your home and you’ve made all attempts to keep up with maintenance…what else can you do? How can you stand out?

How to Make Your Home Stand Out Like That Red Sweater…

1.Take another look at the front of your house.

It’s not enough to have your lawn mowed.  What does your whole picture say? Can buyers see your home?

Keep in mind, buyers will make up their mind as they are pulling up to your property.  Ask any agent and I’ll bet they’ve had buyers who refused to go in once they saw a property.

Add color with plants.  Make sure that you’ve kept your entry area clean and inviting.  

It doesn’t hurt to add a touch of whimsy at the front door as long as it’s not distracting.

2.Go beyond clean.

This is not the time to opt for a surface clean.  You’ll want to attack under, over, behind, and around everything.  If you need to, hire a cleaning crew to come in.

Don’t stop there!  Buyers open drawers, cabinets and closets.  Get ruthless!  Clean the inside of your refrigerator, oven and dishwasher.

Go through your closets and clean all of the shelves and pick everything up off of the floor.

3.Wow them when they step in!

Right now, go out your front door.  Now come in.  What do you see?  The entry is another important area because this is also where you can lose your buyers.  

Add an entry table if you have room for one.  Make sure there is a light to warm the area.

If you’re in florida where most of the views are to the outside pool or backyard area, make the most of it…. play it up!  Let the buyers see why they want to move here.

Make sure your entry says “Please come in.” If your buyer is blocked by too much furniture or objects in their path, it’s as if your house is saying “Go away!”

4. Pretend you don’t live there even though you do.

Of course you’re living there, and the buyers know it.  But give them the freedom to see the possibilities of your home without photos of you and your family staring down at them!

Allow them to see your Master Bedroom and bath without your medication, toothbrushes and other personal items hanging around them.

Bite the bullet and put away your bills, files, and other paperwork in your office or desk area.

Bribe, if you must, your family members to get them to place their shoes, books, toys etc in their rooms.  

5. Keep the view simple and without distractions.

You’ve heard this countless times but yes… edit what you have. Don’t make your buyers have to work to see your property.  

Extra furniture, outsized and very taste specific art can distract a buyer and take their attention away from seeing your space.

6.Invite them outside.

When people move to Florida they want to enjoy the outdoors.  Even if you’re not in Florida, more and more homeowners are enjoying their outdoor space.

Give the buyers what they are looking for. Remove all tools and exercise equipment.  Make sure your tables and chairs are clean and in good condition.  

Fill your pots with fresh and colorful plants.  Remove dead plants and empty pots.

Make sure your pool is sparkling!!!

Selling your home?  Make sure it stands out like a red sweater!

© - Kathy Streib Home Staging - http://mrshomestaging.com/