Contact us today! 772-323-6996 or 486-4642

Staging Your Home to Sell - Fast

Forget the old adage “you can't judge a book by its cover”. When it comes to selling your home in today's real estate market, first impressions mean everything. Unquestionably, a property that's attractive, inviting and all around appealing will show much better and increase the number of offers from motivated buyers.

But before you invest thousands in elaborate renovations to improve your home's appearance, consider this: Although major improvements may seem like the ticket to a fast sale, more often than not they don't pay off in the long run. Instead, your best bet may be to “stage” your home to sell — in other words, focus on small, collective changes that present your home in the best possible light. These modifications cost little or nothing to implement, but can make a world of difference when it comes to setting your property apart from the pack.

If your home is already on the market — or if you're even thinking about selling — here are ten smart, easy tips for turning your home into a buyer's dream.

1. Give your house a good spring cleaning. This includes washing windows and mirrors, carpets, window treatments and appliances. Pay attention to small details. Make sure to remove any grease spatters in the kitchen and smudges around doorknobs and lights witches. Polishing chrome fixtures such as faucets can also help make your home sparkle. Carpets that are excessively stained, worn or odorous should be replaced.

2. Cut the clutter. A cluttered, disorganized home automatically evokes a sense of chaos and makes rooms seem smaller. If you have a penchant for knickknacks, consider removing some of them while your home is being shown ( a good rule of thumb is no more than three objects for every surface) . Toning down the clutter also means getting unnecessary items off the floor, clearing kitchen countertops and cleaning and organizing your basement, attic and garage. To help make this process go more smoothly, consider donating extra clothes, books and furniture to charity.

3. Focus on the bright side. Dark colors generally aren't received well by home-seekers. Instead, focus on creating a space that's clean and bright, using subdued colors to decorate. Bright lights and white walls make rooms look bigger, so try replacing your lights with higher-wattage bulbs and painting dark walls white or another neutral color, such as beige.

4. Pay attention to what's behind closed doors. There's a good chance your prospective buyers will be opening your closet doors, medicine cabinets and kitchen cabinets, so make sure that these spaces are clean and neatly organized. If you have prescription medicines or out-of-date items, consider removing them when prospective buyers visit.

5. Be wary of odors. The slightest unpleasant smells — such as food, cigarette smoke or pets — can be a deal-killer for even the most motivated homebuyers. To remove such aromas, have your carpets professionally cleaned and avoid cooking strong-scented foods close to the time your house is being shown. A scented candle or bowl of potpourri can also help freshen your home's interior and mask any lingering odors.

6. Make your home feel “homey”. When selling, it's important to allow prospective buyers to visualize themselves in your home. Small touches like a well-placed vase of fresh flowers or a cinnamon-scented candle can make your house feel more comfortable, warm and inviting. At the same time, remove things like personal photos and any religious or political items that may prevent buyers from making an emotional connection with your home.

7. Fix those leaks. Although you may have been living with that drippy faucet for months, it suggests to potential buyers that your home is not properly maintained. Be sure to take the time to r epair any leaky faucets or pipes, and repair caulking around tubs and sinks to prevent surprise leaks from occurring during a showing.

8. Eliminate rattles and squeaks. Tighten up loose switch plates, doorknobs, cabinet hinges and moldings. Repair doors and windows that stick, steps that squeak or wobbly stair banisters. These minor fixes will make your home appear more “solid” to prospective buyers.

9. Send your pets packing. Having your pets present while prospective buyers are visiting can stir up concerns about allergies and cleanliness. If you have a pet, try to arrange for them to stay with a friend or family member while your home is being shown.

10. Don't neglect what's on the outside. Consider the exterior appearance of your home. Does it have “curb appeal”? If your front door is faded or peeling, revive it with a fresh, bright coat of paint. Be sure to rake and dispose of leaves and keep your lawn neatly trimmed. Prune any wayward bushes, clean up dead branches and remove weeds that appear on your lawn or in between concrete and bricks. Brighten your home's siding and decks with a thorough power wash. To demonstrate pride of ownership, plant some colorful flowers and hang out a cheerful welcome flag.

Looking to sell your Martin County or Port St. Lucie , FL home? Contact us today by filling out this simple form or call us at 1-772-323-6996. Let Gabe Sanders and Susan Maxwell help make your real estate experience a success!