Staging Tips

Little things make your property more desirable and attractive. Invest some sweat equity for greater financial returns.

Front yard and entry

Curb appeal gives buyers incentive to go into your home

• Keep the lawn watered, trimmed and fertilized (keep it green).
• Trim shrubs (especially those blocking views of the house).
• Most trees should be trimmed up to head height or higher to visually open up the yard and home.
• Sweep the driveway and walkways.
• Clean oil stains and remove nonworking vehicles from the driveway and front curb
• Pull weeds around planting beds.
• Purchase inexpensive plants for planting beds OR place ground cover such as bark or shredded bark over dirt. (Hint: Cocoa shells purchased at a local garden store offer attractive ground cover and smell great!).
• Paint the exterior if the paint is faded, peeling or an unattractive color. You may be able to get away with painting just the trim to freshen up the exterior.
• The entry door should be clean and/or freshly painted with attractive and well functioning hardware.
• Ensure the exterior light fixtures are in good condition, clean and display adequate light.
• Purchase pre-planted pots of flowers for the front entrance. Keep them watered and pruned. When you move, take them with you!

Inside Decor

Buyers need to imagine their furniture in your home. They look for spaciousness. Therefore, less is more.

• Place excessive furniture and personal belonging in storage. You need to pack them anyway, so why not start now
• Remove excessive pictures from walls and tables (especially personal photos).
• Clean or replace drapes that are in poor condition.
• Clean or replace your carpets with a neutral color (Use an extra thick pad).
• Remove outdated wallpaper and paint dirty walls a neutral color.
• Remove counter clutter in the bathrooms and kitchen. Put away appliances, papers, utensils, and personal items.
• Throw out or pack items you no longer use from closets and cabinets (organize!).
• Light fixtures should work properly. Burned out bulbs should be replaced.
• Place extra lighting in dark areas of rooms. (Inexpensive plug-in light cannisters can brighten dark corners and provide drama).

Cleanliness

Your home should look and smell clean/fresh.

• Keep the floors vacuumed and picked up.
• No dishes in the sink.
• Counter tops should be free of items, spills and crumbs.
• Make your beds.
• Organize and clean your closets and cabinets.
• Add air fresheners to the bathrooms and main living areas.
• Remove notes from the refrigerator.

Light, Bright

Buyers like to see open, bright and airy homes.

• Keep the drapes open.
• Clean the windows.
• Keep the heater on in the winter, the air conditioner in the summer.
• Most importantly, turn on all lights!

Fix The Little Things

Take a few minutes to check and repair these items to ensure a “pride of ownership” look to your home.

• Fix loose doorknobs or cabinets pulls.
• Repair sticking doors and drawers.
• Repair wobbly hinges.
• Repair stuck windows.
• Repair leaking faucets.
• Repair running toilets.

Rear Yard

Buyers want to envision an oasis or retreat in the back yard...a place to dine al fresco and entertain.

• Water, fertilize and trim the lawn.
• Keep shrubs trimmed, watered and fertilized.
• Repair/replace loose fence boards.
• Repair/replace broken gates.
• Use ground cover such as bark, shredded bark or cocoa shells over dirt.
• Create an “outdoor room” using patio furniture, potted plants, and even a small fountain (to mask unwanted noise).
• Keep patios and decks swept clean, and repaired.
• Repair/clean patio furniture.
• Remove any animal feces/debris.

When Your Home Is Being Shown

• Turn on ALL lights.
• Pick up personal items off the floor and counter tops.
• Make the beds.
• Open the drapes.
• Leave the air conditioner or heater on.
• If you have a stereo, soft background music is beneficial.
• Keep your animals outside the house if possible (although we love our pets, others may not feel comfortable around them).
• Leave the house so the buyer and agent can feel comfortable viewing it.