How to Stage Your Home to Sale

If you are planning on selling your home, or have already put it on the market, you may want to perform some home staging. Staging is simply updating and decorating your home in a way that is appealing to buyers, and often a few simple staging techniques can make a sell. Staging projects vary in price and size, but a typical project can be completed in as little as a weekend.

Potential buyers will form their first impression the moment they pull up to your property. Start your project by looking at your home's curb appeal as if you were a buyer seeing it for the first time. Make sure that your lawn and landscaping are well manicured, and free of debris and weeds. Take a look at the exterior of your home. If it needs some updating, a couple coats of paint on the shutters and front door will give it a new feel. Ensure your walkway is in good, working order. If it has broken or cracked areas, these need to be repaired. Finally, give your porch an approachable feel by adding some small decorations, potted plants, or benches.

Having a clean, well organized, home is the most important aspect of home staging. Thoroughly clean every room of your home, paying special attention to problem areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. In addition to cleaning, make sure your home is organized. Remove any piled items, and hide the personal knickknacks. You don't want to take away from the décor, but keep it to a minimum. You are trying to sell your space, not your stuff.

Once your home is clean and organized, it's time to focus on the visual appeal. Even a little money invested in this area will increase your homes sales. One of the cheapest investments you can make is in your flooring and walls. If you have carpet, spot clean any noticeable stains. If you have hardwood floors, buff out any scratches. Make sure your walls are free of any marks as well, and that they are a neutral color. While you may love your lemon yellow kitchen, not every buyer will. Go with off-whites, light tans, or a soft taupes.

If you don't have the budget for new furniture and home décor pieces you can add value to your home with existing items. Use your furniture to accentuate your homes features. Pull furniture away from windows and architectural pieces. If you have a fireplace or great view, arrange your furniture so that it draws the buyer's eye to the area. Lastly, make sure you décor pieces, including wall art, are arranged in an appealing way. If they look out of place, remove them.

Finally, go out and take inventory of your back lawn. If you have a porch area, make sure it is tidied up. Ensure the flooring is not stained or weathered, and their are no loose nails or boards. Add some potted plants and a well arranged seating area for a visual effect. Make sure your back lawn's care matches the front, and mow or weed if necessary. It is important to highlight the size of your back lawn, so make sure you have either removed, or properly placed, any large items such as swing sets and storage areas.

If you want to sell your home quickly for top dollar, proper staging is key. Remember that buyers will see dozens of homes similar to yours. Take a few days and make yours stand out before your next open house or walk through.