Staging your home for faster sale can also bring top dollar
Before you put the "for sale" sign in the yard, it's wise to use the same process as if you were selling your car. You would bring it to a professional car detailing shop to have it thoroughly shampooed, waxed, cleaned and free of all clutter so you have the chance of selling quickly and for top dollar.
The same holds true when selling your home - probably your largest investment. Home buyers will typically form their first impression of a home within the first 30 seconds of arriving at the curb. Statistics show that 94.6 percent of staged homes sell on average in 35 days or less.
'Welcome home' approach: You'll want the buyers to be excited to walk through the door. Change the hardware on the front door and the street numbers on the house if they don't look good. Don't forget to ensure your gutters are clear. Now that spring is approaching, sweep and rake away winter debris and dead grass. Hit brown patches in your yard with spray paint made specifically for this purpose so your lawn looks healthy and carefree. Make sure the walkways or entry ways (condos, coach homes) are clean and free of rubbish, mail, newspapers. Buyers want to know this home is free from hassle. Place a welcoming mat in front of the door and hang a wreath.
Windows: Consider having your windows professionally cleaned and keep them shiny while the home is on the market. Remove dated or heavy window treatments. Don't forget the tracks of the windows and sliding doors. If you have an incredible view, don't cover it, showcase it.
Clean, clean and clean again: A clean home sends out the message that it is well cared for. Pay close attention to details. Ensure all dust is removed from light fixtures, ceiling fans, and cobwebs are out of the upper corners. Remove any marks from switch plates and door jams. Kitchen cabinets need to be washed of grease and fingerprints.
What's that smell? All garbage and waste baskets should be emptied and washed, including your bins in the garage. If you have pets, have an honest friend come in and give your home the sniff test. If you have a smoker in the house, put out bowls of vinegar and water mixture throughout the house. The vinegar will neutralize the smell over a period of days. There's nothing like throwing the windows open and letting in the fresh air, especially before an open house.
Declutter: This is one of the critical tasks. Theresa Coglianese of Amazing Space Home Staging suggests looking at your rooms through the eye of the camera. Taking photos can give you a more objective perspective of clutter. Comb through each room and throw away or donate what you haven't used within the last year. Start packing items you won't need until you get to your new home. Clean out your bedroom and linen closets completely. Be ruthless in the kitchen. Kitchen counters should be clear of unnecessary appliances and gadgets. Look through interior-design magazines for ideas about how to stage kitchen counters. The same idea goes for bathroom counters. Put cosmetics, hair dryers and curling irons away. Throw away old medicines and bottles. Remember that your potential buyers will open every cabinet and drawer to look for as much space as possible.
Depersonalize: Remove personal photos, paperwork, knickknacks and collections. A common problem is too much oversized furniture, including hutches. Too often we see too much stuff in a space.
Refresh and renew: It may not be worth updating appliances that still work, but it's important the colors of the appliances match. There are appliance spray paints in many colors. Sheets are sold for dishwasher fronts and can be installed instantly. Inexpensive decorating changes can eliminate colors and accessories that date your home. Eliminate artificial flowers and knickknacks that have been taking up space for some time. Reasonably priced slipcovers can bring new life to furniture. Replacing hardware can modernize doors and cabinets within minutes. Ensure your hardwood floors are shining and fireplaces are soot-free.
Neutral doesn't mean white: Neutral colors are your best bet when selling your home. Again, potential buyers will see a well-maintained and hassle-free home. Neutral does not mean white. Consider the colors of nature: greens or yellows in muted tones. Different shades of beige will add warmth to a room.
Staging: Home stagers have become part of a team to help real estate agents and sellers get homes ready to be someone else's home. It frequently means the difference between a home selling or languishing on the market. The cost to stage your home is far less than a price reduction.
A professional home stager will come in first to give a consultation. This averages between $250 and $400. Ensure the stager is accredited or certified to avoid people who call themselves stagers because they feel they have the "knack" for decorating. A professional stager is not an interior decorator. A reputable stager will give you an honest, professional and in-depth written report. Following the stager's plan will give you a professional edge and save money if you opt to do the work yourself.
Remember that today's buyers are savvy and educated. At the end of the day, after a buyer has looked at 10 homes, they're going to remember the one that's coziest and most inviting.
• Theresa Coglianese is the principal owner of Amazing Space Home Staging and Redesign. Contact her at (847) 259-4557 or visit amazingspacehomes.com.