By Anne Kenney
#1 Clutter
#2 Color
#3 Clean
#4 Repairs
#5 Lighting
#6 De-Personalize
#7 Focal Points
#8 Function
#9 Modernize
#10 Curb Appeal
You needn’t be a staging professional to take some basic steps to prepare your home for sale. Follow these tips and you will be on your way to selling your home quickly and for top dollar.
#1 Clutter
You’re going to have to pack up to move anyway, so why not get started now?!
- Organize and edit your items in the following way
- Need on a daily basis
- Discard
- Pack for storage (short term or long term/ be sure to label boxes well)
- Donate
- Find ways to organize the items you need on a daily basis so that they are
out of the way. Utilize cabinets, storage containers or baskets to organize smaller items on shelves or in closets. - Scale back papers, books, toiletries, and other small items.
- Pack up any collections you own and put them in storage.
- Remove extra furniture and accessories.
- Throw out or “relocate” tired plants.
#2 Color
Think neutral with color accents. If your main rooms, such as the living room,
dining room and master bedroom, are wallpapered or painted in strong colors or patterns, repaint these rooms in warm neutral tones. If your furnishings are decorated in strong colors or patterns, cover them with slipcovers in neutral tones.
If your
furniture is outdated or quite worn, consider renting furniture for showing
your home at its best.
#3 Clean
Not just clean, but “Q-tip” clean!!! This is one of the most important preparations you can make. Now is the time to have your home professionally cleaned.
Concentrate on:
- Floors
- Windows
- Bathroom tiles
- Strong Odors- pet, smoke, mustiness or strong food odors
- If you have cats, find an out-of-the-way place for litter boxes.
#4 Repairs
Buyers who see the need for numerous repairs in your property will assume it
has not been well-maintained. Be sure to take care of all minor repairs such as
loose door knobs, loose grout in bath tiles, exposed wiring, plumbing leaks,
chipping paint, ceiling stains or buckling areas on walls or floors.
Remove or replace old, worn carpet. If you are fortunate to have wooden floors underneath, consider having these refinished.
#5 Lighting
A well-lit property is important to buyers.
- Allow as much natural light into the house as possible. Remove heavy
window treatments that block out natural daylight. Use sheer curtains instead. - Make sure all light fixtures are clean and bulbs are at their highest wattage,
- Avoid harsh lighting in rooms by adding warmer light sources, such as table or counter lamps.
- Use “up lights”, torchieres with halogen bulbs and three way lamps in darker rooms or corners.
- Provide diverse lighting options in your major rooms. Have table lamps as well as floor lamps.
#6 De-Personalize
When you are selling your home, you must allow space for buyers to mentally move in. They are unable to do this if they are confronted with too many of your personal items, such as family photographs, diplomas, sports medals, extensive collections, religious items or accessories which might be considered extreme in terms of decorating taste or appeal.
#7 Focal Points
Decide on the key focal points for your most important rooms. What do you want buyers to focus on? A fabulous view? An inviting fireplace? A king-sized bed?
Set up your rooms with these focal points in mind. Be sure to rearrange your furniture so that buyers are able to move freely though hallways and rooms.
#8 Function
Arrange your home to appeal to a broad range of buyers. Be clear about the function of each area of your home. If you have extra bedrooms or unused spaces, consider “re-functioning” these areas. Add a home-office, den or children’s room to broaden your home’s appeal.
#9 Modernize
If you decide not to renovate old bathrooms or kitchens- rooms that are critical to buyers- you can take some simple steps to modernize their appearance.
- Remove dated wallpaper. Paint rooms in warm neutral tones.
- Put new hardware on drawers and cabinets. Exchange old lighting
fixtures for new ones. - Consider buying new appliances- refrigerator, stove, etc.
- Remove “dated” curtains and blinds. Add sheer curtains or shutters.
- Replace old towel racks with new ones. Add one or two elegant wall hooks.
- Replace older lighting above or beside bathroom mirrors with modern light fixtures.
- Replace old or worn shower curtains, bathmats, towels and linens with new ones.
#10 Curb Appeal
Whether you are selling an apartment or a home with an exterior yard, you must consider its curb appeal. If you are selling an apartment, what does the vestibule
of your building look like? Your hallway? Are there simple things you can do to spruce these areas up? Consider adding a tasteful silk floral arrangement on a small table (only if there’s room!) or an inviting doormat.
If you are selling a home, you must take an objective look at your house from the street. Ask yourselves… Can the house be seen? Are there bushes or tree limbs
that are out of control? Are the windows clear of bushes or branches?
(this will also affect your internal light).
Is the exterior of your house in need of painting? Does it reflect your personal color preferences such that it may not appeal to some buyers? Are your walkways and fences in good condition?
Does your house lack color or interest? You might want to paint your front door or shutters in a contrasting color or add some simple window boxes.
Does your yard need basic landscaping? Consider adding some florals or potted plants in a bright color. Is your porch, yard or deck cluttered with furniture or toys? Remove extra items and keep the look simple with a table, chairs or lounges.
CONGRATULATIONS! You have worked hard to get your house into tip-top shape. Now you are ready to find a realtor, price your property appropriately and sell your home for top dollar! Good luck!
