How to Stage Your Condo or Apartment for a Quick Sale!

Firstly, I highly recommend that you hire a local Professional Home Stager in your area. Having an objective eye is key and it is hard to do when you have been surrounded by your own stuff for years. A Stager will point things out that you might not have thought of through to the things that you forgot about altogether. In any event, this is the best place to start, even if it is only for a consultation to guide you in the right direction.

If you are in a condo you might be moving for many reasons. Perhaps you are moving out of Country or State, you received a new job or perhaps your space just isn't big enough anymore. Whatever your reason, remember if you prepare your home properly it will sell in a fraction of the time and for top dollar, which is the goal.

Start with de-cluttering. A small space will be made to look smaller with needless clutter everywhere. If you have small children it is imperative that you have a chest or other opaque storage piece to toss the toys. No home buyer will want to trip over toys or be distracted with the mess. This means any small nick knacks, collections, and excess stuff be removed from the space. Use your storage locker space, a friend's basement, anything to get it out of your home as it will eat your home's equity! While we're on the subject be sure to leave ALL cabinets half empty as you won't want buyers to think that they won't have any room for their stuff or that your place just doesn't have the space they require.

Secondly, you want to ensure each room is being used for its intended purpose. This happens all the time, your bedroom houses a treadmill and now doubles as your home gym. You make the dining room into a home office but where will your buyer eat dinner if they move in? If this sounds like your space, you need to make a change. Buy a dining room table that you'll use in your next place, or rent one but you can't leave it as it is. You really need to make sure the spaces are used properly as to not confuse the buyer as they are being shown your home.

Next, you'll want to re-arrange the furniture. This is important in any home but more so in a really tight space. You want to maximize the space you have and use it to its best potential. There are some arrangements that work the best and are more open and inviting than others. Try to determine what the focal point is in your room. Is it a fireplace, a large set of windows? Play up that focal point so buyers notice it first! Sometimes this will involve angling furniture, anchoring it with an area rug etc.

Color is key. That is the next consideration. Small spaces always look smaller when painted in dark or bright colors. It is best to stick with a neutral or paler palette that can reflect the light better and make a room appear larger. I'm not suggesting every room be painted white or beige, neutral doesn't have to equal boring! Walls aren't the only place to inject color. It can be added with throw pillows, floral arrangements, art and will add interest to a room if done correctly.

Try to work with a realtor who specializes in selling condos as there are many that do. This type of Realtor knows the condo market inside and out and will ensure your home is appropriately priced. They also know the type of marketing required to get buyers inside once the staging is complete. Fresh photos are a must for MLS or any other online marketing as 85% of today's buyers look there first before deciding to see a particular showing. When many condos can look alike, let yours stand out with great pictures that show why your home is the one for them!

Because condos and apartments have a tendency to have many similar layouts it is that much more important to truly set your space apart from the many others they'll see. Use these steps for success and do call a Professional Stager to make your home picture perfect! If you live in the Central Florida area I'd be happy to meet with you and help you get your home sold.