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Realtor Tips on Staging

Daytime

Published: December 7, 2009

Number 1 – Clean and Organize. This is something that you can easily do yourself or consider hiring a professional cleaning service to clean the house from top to bottom. Cost is around $200 to $300 but the return could be as high as 400% on your investment. Remember the 3 D's "De-clutter, De-personalize and Deodorize. Consider renting a small storage facility to store all your seasonal items, seldom used items and any oversized furniture. Make sure that closets, cupboards and garage are neat and tidy. Think about having a garage sale or donating your unwanted and seldom used items to charity. Not only will you be helping someone else less fortunate, your may be rewarded with a tax deduction for your contribution. Finally think about shampooing the carpet. Cost to rent a carpet cleaner is around $25 -$30 dollars but the return is around 150%. . Remember buyers look with there eyes and there nose so you want to make sure your house smells clean and fresh.

Number 2 – Consider a "Pre-Sale" Home Inspection. Average cost of a home inspection is around $350-$650 depending on the size of your home. The benefit hear is you learn about small repairs that you might need to correct before they become major issues of the buyer at contract.

Number 3 – Lighten and Brighten. One of the most noticeable yet economical improvements you can do is update your lighting. Remember that proper lighting can make a small room look large and a large room warm, cozy and inviting. Think about adding floor lamps and table lamps to rooms that do not have a great deal of natural light. Also lighting can enhance architectural details in the home. Remove any heavy drapes or window covering that block the natural light.

Number 4 – Spruce up the curb appeal. Remember buyers will decide if they want to look at the inside of your home based on the outside. With an investment of around $400-$700 you could see a return of around 300%. Pressure wash and touchup any exterior paint. Enhance the landscaping with fresh mulch and seasonal plants. Trim bushes and trees that may be blocking the view. Make sure the front door and walkway is inviting. Replace that old worn out and rusted front door hardware with something shinny and new. You have one chance to make a first impression so put your best foot forward.

Number 5 - Stage a home for sale. I am a big supporter of professional home stagers and the benefit they bring however sometime the cost is prohibitive but there are a few things that you can do that cost little or no money that bring a big return. Make sure the room is being used for its intended purpose. If one of the bedrooms is now being used as on office or exercise room then turn it back into a bedroom. Re-arrange or remove any excess furniture to make the rooms appears as spacious as possible and add inexpensive art to blank walls. You want the buyer to be able to see themselves in the home.

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