Setting the stage isn’t just for the Democratic and Republican parties this election season. If you are preparing to put your house on
the market this fall, follow the six below home staging tips to capture the vote of your home’s next owner.
1.) Boost curb appeal: If a potential buyer is driving by and they are turned off by the exterior of your house, you can be sure they will not be interested in seeing the interior. Before you list your home, make sure you install easy to read house numbers, power wash your siding, walkways and driveway and repaint the exterior as needed. On a weekly basis, be sure the front windows are washed, the lawn is raked and mowed and any foliage is well tended.
2.) Clean, clean, clean: Make sure your house sparkles every time a prospective buyer walks in the door. This is cheapest way you can make sure your home is appealing to buyers. Invest in a professional cleaning service to give your home an all-over deep cleaning, prior to putting your home on the market.
3.) Eliminate clutter and remove any personal touches: Remove knick-knacks, piles of paper, collections of magazines and personal photos. Eliminate clutter by donating items you no longer need, throw out broken items and use an offsite storage facility to store larger belongings that take up valuable space. Make an effort to keep your floors, countertops, shelves and closets clean and clear.
4.) Neutral refresh: Refresh your walls with a new coat of paint, stay away from too dark or “fun” colors. Select an elegant color palette to provide potential buyers with a neutral backdrop so they can envision their own furniture and belongings throughout your house.
5.) Make the house a home: Even though you are preparing to move out, create a homey atmosphere to attract potential buyers coming through. Style your kitchen or dining room table with complete place settings and an inexpensive, seasonal fresh flower arrangement. If necessary, rearrange the living room furniture to create an inviting seating arrangement, conducive to close conversation.
6.) Stage seasonally – indoors and out: Do you have a fire pit in the backyard? Set the scene with outdoors seating, plush chair cushions and several cozy blankets draped on the back of the chairs. Turn on the fireplace in your living room and strategically place autumn scented potpourri or simmer hot apple cider on the stove (set on extra low). Take advantage of the cooler temperatures and open the windows to feel the crisp, early fall breeze.
Whether it is a presidential candidate or your house that is up for election, all voting criteria should be pristinely thought-out. Stand on a solid platform of good staging and watch your home become the front-runner for potential buyers’ selling votes!