Interior Staging is the process of setting up a house to sell. Often dated interiors and years of accumulation distract a potential
buyer's attention from the key assets of a home. No fear, major updates are not necessary.
Prior to listing a property, it is critical that you have a seller's consultation with your listing agent, to review ways to get your home
prepped to sell. By taking time upfront to stage your house, you will save yourself valuable time and money in the end by
presenting your property to prospective buyers in its best condition. Most buyers today have active careers and want to buy a
house that is in "move in condition." Here are a few basic tips to help get your interior "market ready."
- Rent a Storage Unit - Store anything that is not currently in use and that is taking up space in your home. This could be
excess furniture, sports equipment, old toys, large tools, etc. This will force you to start weeding out old stuff you no longer
use and may want to donate. Removing clutter is a great way to open up space and make your home feel larger. Often
times key assets of a home are overwhelmed by large pieces of furniture or toys, and the prospective buyer may overlook
these key features. Rule of thumb, if you have not used it in the last year, you won't miss it while your house is being
marketed for sale.
- Logically Place Furniture - Too much furniture in a room closes in a space. Be sure to move all pieces blocking doorways
and natural flow of traffic. Be sure to remove furniture and accessories from a room where they doesn't make sense, and
replace with furniture for its intended use.
- Scrape and Paint - If walls are dirty, cracked and peeling; it is time for a new coat of paint. Be sure to check peeling
bathroom ceilings. This is a common issue in bathrooms of older homes with no exhaust system. A fresh coat of paint is an
inexpensive way to give your house a fresh look.
- Uncover Hidden Assets - Highlight key assets that may be covered up. If you have hardwood floors hidden under worn
wall-to-wall carpeting, it's a good idea to pull up the carpet, remove the carpet tack, and give your floors a thorough scrub.
Hardwood floors are a great selling feature and make a home feel larger.
- Wash the Windows - We have all heard the expression, "I don't do windows"...well now is a good time to start. By opening
shades and cleaning windows sunlight will brighten your house and make your home feel more spacious. I often hear
potential buyers comment on how light and airy a house feels. And conversely, when windows are dirty and shades drawn, I
here the comments about how "closed in" and small the rooms feel.
Getting a buyer to fall in love with the exterior of your home is the first challenge...once you get them through the door, you will want
to be sure that the inside is just as attractive as the outside. Interior Staging is the best way to maximize the return on your
investment, by selling your home faster and for more money.
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