Staging the House
As I previously mentioned, I’m getting ready for an impromptu move. Actually, two impromptu moves. My daughter’s condo and my house. The negative is that neither of us have been in our homes long to build equity. She bought her condo last year, I bought my house in November of 2011. Then I remodeled my house at quite a costly sum and investment. I love the result. Every time I come home, I think “I love my house”! It’s such a great feeling. But, I don’t think I’m going to recoup my investment in this short period. To get the biggest bang for our buck, I need to look at both properties like a prospective buyer. Some things I’ll be doing include:
As I review each room, I’ll stand in the doorway of the room. This will give me that “first look”. I want to make sure the room is enticing to enter.
Remember to give each room a role. The buyer needs to look in the room and know what the room’s purpose is and be drawn into it.
Pick a focal point in the room. Have one item or area of the room that stands out.
De-clutter. De-accessorize the room. If time permits, take all the accessories out. Then, decide if you want to use them and if so, where? They may be best suited for another room in the house.
To keep the room from getting too busy, choose one color for 60% of the room, a second color for 30% and then a third color that “pops” for the a small 10% portion.
Review the furniture arrangement? Could it be arranged better? Should anything be removed? Be sure there are pathways for navigation and easy traffic flow. Allow space between pieces of furniture.
Make sure the home’s temperature, lighting and noise levels are just right during an open house or viewings. At the same time, make sure the only smell is something clean, fresh, and light. The ambience should be relaxing and inviting.
Finally, take another look around. Stand in the entry way once more. Has anything been overlooked? Is the house clean? Is each room clutter-free? Have personal items been removed so the buyer can imagine the home as his/hers?
