How to Stage a Home

                                                                                         

Many homeowners don't take the time to maximize the potential of their property before listing it. A few cosmetic changes can go a long way to help your home sell fast, and for more: recent studies suggest that this process, known as "staging," can increase the sale price of your home by seven to ten per cent.

What is staging? It's simply the act of arranging your home in a way that helps the buyer easily imagine themselves living there - setting the stage for them. Potential buyers don't want to imagine cleaning the house (moving is enough work!), so be sure that the house is spotless. A fresh coat of neutral paint is a quick and easy way to brighten a room and remove traces of your kids' sticky fingers. Minor cosmetic fixes, such as peeling paint, should be taken care of before you begin showing.

Think of the mood of each room - help the buyer form an emotional attachment to your home. You want rooms to appear spacious, so remove all clutter and anything too personal (personal photos, posters, fridge decorations, etc.). Maximize counter space in the kitchen by removing extra appliances, dish racks, etc. Make room in the closets by packing away out of season clothing.

This said, people want to buy homes, not empty spaces. Every room should contain furniture, even if the house is vacant. All bedrooms should contain beds, and in family homes it can help to set up children's rooms. A new set of cabinet hardware is an inexpensive way to update your kitchen or bathroom. Brushed metallic finishes (such as chrome) can quickly modernize a room.

Lighting is essential. Open the blinds where possible, add lamps and increase your wattage in the kitchen and bathrooms. Make sure your home is warm - it should be heated for showing even if no one is living in it. You want the space to feel inviting.

Accessorize! Candles, plants, bright throws and pillows are all inexpensive options to stylize and spruce up dowdy rooms or furniture. Set your dining room table for a dinner party. Add freshly cut flowers to the table.

And finally - how does your house smell? Unpleasant odors will likely scare off potential buyers. Don't smoke in the house while you are attempting to sell it. Use carpet fresheners. Be diligent about cleaning your pet's litter box on a daily basis. While some air fresheners and incense can irritate allergies, essential oils are usually a safe bet - use a few drops in an oil burner to set the mood in your home. In the kitchen, boiling a pot of water with cinnamon sticks can give the room a warm feeling.

A minimum amount of effort and money can transform your property into a home that sticks in buyers minds. Be creative - there are a variety of television shows and decorating magazines that will help you find inspiration whatever your budget. Remember, your goal is to create an atmosphere where potential buyers feel at home. Have fun.

About the author:
Jake Marsh is an experienced, professional real estate agent with a degree in marketing, who specializes in Denver, Colorado real estate. For access to Denver MLS listings , contact Jake today or visit www.jakemarsh.com.

Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com