Many features attract buyers to a home. The effects of lighting, open spaces, neat interior and manicured
landscaping can dramatically improve the marketability of your home. Homes that are in move-in condition and show
like a model usually sell quickly and at the high end of their market value. Here are some of the things that you
can do to show your home at its best:
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- Clean Out Clutter:
- Keep a small amount of furniture in each room. Keep windowsills and countertops clear. Clean out closets.
- Keep it Clean:
- Keep floors, sinks, windows and counter tops clean. Vacuum carpets. If at all possible, re-paint. Dust tabletops
and other furniture. Clean light fixtures. Add plants. You want your home to appear clean, neat and roomy.
- Keep it Bright:
- Open the blinds and shades in every room. Even during the middle of the day, keep lights on in every room.
- Keep Colors Neutral:
- Buyers have different tastes and you do not want them to pass up your house because they cannot see past colors and
wall papers that clash with their taste or furniture. Neutral colors are your best bet and they help make a room look spacious.
- Replace or Clean Carpet:
- Many people will not consider a house if they have to replace the carpet. If your carpet is worn, not uniform throughout
the home or not a neutral color, replace it. If it is in good condition and color, have it cleaned.
- Curb Appeal is Important:
- If necessary paint the exterior, keep the lawn mowed, trim the shrubs and dress up the garden with inexpensive
potted flowers.
- Make Repairs:
- Fix leaky faucets, cracked windows, torn screens, cracks in the walls, etc.
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The following "staging tips", by award winning interior designer Lorna Oppenheimer, will help your home look its very best:
- Check the visibility of your house numbers, repaint or polish if necessary
- Create an inviting walkway. Add color with annuals and a new doormat to brighten your home and welcome buyers
- Open windows everyday to let in fresh air. Appeal to buyer’s sense of smell and create an inviting feeling by lighting candles or baking
- Sharpen the look of rooms by paying attention to detail. Polish door knobs and handles and replace lights in bathrooms and kitchen as necessary
- Turn on all lights, especially at night, to highlight your homes amenities
- Create a focal point in your entryway by adding a picture, lamp or plant.
- Remove furniture to make rooms appear larger and allow for clear traffic pattern
- Unify the accent pieces and details in our home. Replace old lampshades, bedspreads and bath towels and coordinate matching area rugs, pillows and candles throughout all rooms
- Try to make a child’s room minimally persona; and make sure it is safe
- Always test your doorbell to be certain it is in good working order
- Move your best pieces of furniture towards the front of each room and your least attractive pieces toward the back
- Hang all pictures on the low side and hang mirrors across from windows that get a lot of light or have a view
- Set your dinning room table for a decorative appeal
- Place plants and fresh flowers in a rooms to add vibrancy and freshness. Use big, bright or bold accessories to draw attention to important areas of the room
- Try not to be present when potential buyers are viewing your home. If you are present, keep conversation to a minimum
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