How to Stage Your Home to Sell

There comes a time in your life that change is inevitable. You may have to move to another place because of your work, marriage or you simply feel that you need to move on. You may also need to leave people and things behind that you have in your life, especially your home. Here are some ways to help you make other people want to live in your house and make it their own.

First impressions are always important. Any prospective buyer will have to pass through your gate, cross your front yard or come up your driveway, and see the exterior of your house, so it is very important that the outside of the house is good enough that people will want to see want to see what's on the inside as well.

Have your lawn trimmed and looking green and healthy. Remove any weeds or dead plants. Add some flowers for color. A nice new coat of paint and clean windows are always advisable. If you have a garage, keep the door closed and park old vehicles elsewhere during showing. Put out your grill or barbecue set if you have one.

Once inside the house, make sure the house is clean and clutter free. The two most critical rooms in the house, the kitchen and bathroom, should be in sparkling, drip-free, and odor-free conditions. Have a bowl of fruit placed on the kitchen counter. You could also hang white, fluffy towels in the bathroom, along with some lighted scented candles.

Prospective buyers tend to peek inside closets and cupboards so it's good to have their contents clean, neat, and organized. Replace any lighting fixtures that are not working. It's a little embarrassing to flick on a switch and not have the lights turn on when trying to show off a room.

Remove furniture that block paths but leave enough to show what kind of room you are in. Make sure that when clients walk in, they will know it's the living room without having to be told. In addition, if you happen to have a good view, place chairs facing that direction where clients can sit to enjoy it.

Open blinds or curtains to let as much light as possible. Paint the inside of the house neutral colors to let the client have room for changes they might want. Leave out some good family photographs for a more homely and personal feel. It will also give the impression that the house had been a good place for the previous owners, with good memories.

Overall, your house should give the appearance of being well cared for and maintained.

Article Resource: Elena Bautista