subject: Home Staging Guide On Your Own [print this page] Having a professional stage your home is worthwhile, but since this service is unattainable everywhere, you may opt to do it on your own.
It is understood by most people that if we knew how to make our homes look like the showcase models in new developments it would pay off in the end. The trick is learning how to turn your home into a showplace.
Home staging instructors, however, can give even an unskilled homeowner some tips.
The professional would begin by walking around your home inside and out, so begin with this. If they see anything that needs fixing up, they will make notes. If you recognize you have trouble being objective, ask a friend or your Realtor to help you evaluate things that need to be done.
Don't confuse staging with redecorating. Since you don't want to spend a lot to sell your home, there's no point in redecorating in a way that may not suit the new homeowner. Focus instead on presenting a clean, well-maintained home to show off the property's finest assets.
One of the biggest components of home staging is de-cluttering. Be aware that items that you think make the home cozy, such as decorative throw blankets or your children's artwork will not appeal to the buyer. The point of staging is to attract the largest number of people you possibly can.
Remember the 5 C's: Clean, clutter-free, color, creative, and compromise.
Obviously anyone trying to sell their home would try to keep it clean, but clutter free is an extra step. Put away everything from small appliances to blenders and hair dryers. The things you can see should have no personal touch to the owner. Add color and creativity inside with bright throw pillows on furniture and colorful flowers in a vase or pot, or maybe a nice print replacing the large family photo in the living room. Make your home appeal to strangers, not yourself.
Outside, address clutter the same way. Bicycles, too many deck chairs, or your yard shoes on the back porch can detract from your home's marketability. Power wash the outside. Add plants if you don't have any as they bring color and life to the exterior. If they idea of leaving them behind bothers you, buy potted plants and take them with you to your new home.
Do things that you can handle short term. You will miss your family knick-knacks, but go ahead and box them up for when you leave. You also may adopt this lifestyle when you move into your new home!
